If Only I Were In Charge

But wait, there's more

2011-03-25T15:41:00.000-07:00

You can follow from then until now here:
http://www.carepages.com/carepages/MarlaJoySimonBronstein

He Said "See Ya!"

2009-12-08T07:59:00.001-08:00

As you might recall from an earlier episode, there was the ENT here in town who, when asked, continually said I should/could wait for the tell-all MRI. I have not seen him professionally since March or so earlier this year, although I did run into him at one of the many funerals I attended shortly after my diagnosis. (Remind me to tell you some other time about being a funeral whore)

So yesterday at my Monday with Mish and Marla lunch, just as our food is being served, who should walk in and sit down at the table right next to us IN MY LINE OF SIGHT??? Bingo. Dr. Death. Well, I shouldn't call him that since I am technically still alive. He said Hi, I said HI, and I had to take a moment to retrain myself to breathe again.

Thank the Universe Mish was there to talk me down and we had a very pleasant lunch, although I was somewhat distracted by the fact that I knew I HAD TO SAY SOMETHING. Right?

We were minutes from leaving, I told Mish I was ready, I was going to say something to him, but would wait until she left so I wouldn't embarrass her. Abruptly and without warning, he and his lunch companion stood up, tossed their trash and left the restaurant. I watched them leave, and then, as if an afterthought, Dr. Death poked his head back around the door and said "See Ya!" and left.

Nothing. Not one word, after 15 years of treating various members of my family, after all the hearing tests, after getting my MRI last summer. Nothing.

Mish and I looked at each other and burst out laughing. I could not believe it! And I had lost my opportunity. But dear sweet brilliant Mish asked me what I would have said. Here iit is...

I am sad and disappointed in you as a health care professional. You are not the person I thought you were. I have trusted the health of my family and my own to you for over 15 years. You operated on my son twice. When I came to you for help, I completely trusted you and your expertise. When I asked for diagnostic testing, you refused twice.

I had to go elsewhere to have the test that showed I have a potentially life-threatening condition. You received the MRI. I had them sent to you. And you never contacted me. And today, not a "how are you? How is the family?"

I would have expected nothing more.

It's still not cancer, why am I not relieved....

2009-12-02T21:33:00.000-08:00

This week was the second MRI, the test that would tell me if the tumor had grown, stayed the same or (oh please oh please oh please) gotten smaller. I’ve never heard of an acoustic neuroma getting smaller, but I was encouraged to think it smaller and it might be so.

Between the time of my last MRI (June 10) and this past Tuesday, I continued to receive acupuncture, I did a 40 day toxic cleanse consisting of lots of fruits and vegetables, and then 8 days with nothing other than steamed green beans, zucchini (thanks Jill) and celery. This concoction was steamed to submission, and then pureed with some spices to create a thick broth. Caleb said it smelled like vegetable fart. (He graciously held that opinion in until after I was done with the 8 days of ingesting nothing but the broth.) Prior to the “fast” I was dizzy and tired and really spacey on Sundays…I don’t know why specifically Sundays, but there it was . I actually felt and continue to feel a lot better since the fast, and didn’t feel deprived at all during.

The neurologist in Seattle assured me that waiting the six months was not like living with a time bomb. Slow growing. Would not “harden” in its spot. I was relieved. Deciding to wait the six months to schedule surgery until after the Chanukah party gave me a lot of time to read, research, study and worry. I worried myself into a tizzy, and had some panic attacks. To distract myself, I traveled a bit, visiting people I hadn’t seen in a long time, just in case it turns out I can’t travel for a while. I performed a wedding. I was in a show at the Theatre Guild. I kept really busy. I’m still taking on tasks, most of them short term, until I meet with the surgeon (a different one..more on that later) in a few weeks and we decide what’s next.

I have been doing a lot of on line research and participation in on line forums with other folks who have or have had this condition. There are a lot of us. Surprise. Considering how many (or how few, depending upon how you look at it) I can’t say I buy in to the whole “Cell Phone Caused the Tumor” theory, or there would be a lot more tumors, don’t you think? Of course, how many go undiagnosed? If I hadn’t pushed my doc, I’d still be happily oblivious.

As it turned out, there were two national Acoustic Neuroma conferences this summer. One was in Chicago, the other in Vancouver Canada. I was in Chicago a few weeks before the conference there, but was able to go to the conference in Canada. I’ll tell you, walking in that door was REALLY hard. The first people I saw were three women who had obviously had the surgery, as they all had nerve damage. I got really lightheaded. I sort of freaked out. I wanted to leave, but it was too late. I had to know. I had to see what the future held for me. If it was going to be this, I had to face it.

The symposium was in a room with about 10 round tables that sat 8 each. I sat in the front so I wouldn’t feel so compelled to meet anyone else’s eye. Of course, I’m not a pariah, and had showered that morning, so some other folks did sit at my table. Of course, they were nice, everyone was nice. The docs talked one at a time, the surgeon, the neurologist, the radiologist. I asked them all a million questions. They answered them all. During the break, they gave me recommendations in Seattle, (yes, the doc I am seeing this month is one of them.)

The turning point for me was mid-day when a little lady (and I say that with the fondest affection, she was maybe 5’1” tall, and had nerve damage on her face.) talked about her AN journey, how young she was when she was diagnosed so many years ago, how young her children were at the time, and when she talked about what she looks like, versus who she is on the inside, I could not stop crying. (oh, yeah, the girl from the US, the one who keeps asking questions is now a blubbering idiot…nice…alert customs…)

Out of the 40, or so, people there who had had surgery, most of them had nerve damage. Some more than others, I could tell. But I was looking for it. And they didn’t walk around moping or feeling sorry for themselves. They found their support group, and they lived their lives. There were people there who I thought were like me, pre-surgery, watch and wait. And then there were these two REALLY pretty girls. Well, women. I could not for the life of me guess why they were there. Yeah, you guessed it, they BOTH had had the surgery. One in the last calendar year, the other about three years ago. Except for strategic placement of seating, in order to put their best ear forward, you/I would never have guessed it.

I learned a lot of things that day:
1. The Canadian health system is amazing, yeah, there is a long wait, but if your situation is life threatening, you get bumped to the front of the line.
2. Docs in Canada get paid regardless, so if the surgery isn’t going to immediately save your life, it’s probably not going to make it better, so they will opt to wait as long as possible.*
3. Tumors can grow without a change in symptoms
4. Symptoms can change without tumor growth.
5. There is a .1 to.2 margin of error in reading an MRI*
6. Tumors will eventually stop growing.*

* I contacted the surgeon by e-mail and asked him based upon his information, if he would review my MRIs and make a recommendation for surgery or waiting, and he said he would

So at the end of the day, I had made new friends, got more information about the tumors, surgical options and post surgery outcomes. I was exhausted.
A month later, there was a support group meeting south of Tacoma which I attended, and met two people who had had the surgery done by the Group Health doc Doug Backous. (He is the doc who will most likely do the surgery in Seattle if I have it, when I have it.)

Fast forward to this past Tuesday, when I had the second MRI. My doc’s office called to tell me the radiologist recorded a “.1-.2mm growth” from the last MRI. First of all, don’t you think it would have been a good idea for her to make sure I was in a safe place when she told me that? I mean I was DRIVING FOR GOD’S SAKE!!!

Given the margin of error, (See #5 above) I’m assuming that is exactly what they read and there is actually no growth. Actually, that assumption came after “getting my drunk on” Tuesday night and being wide awake at 3 in the morning. Today, I truly celebrated. I will not drink again until after my December 17 appointment. In the meantime, I’m still celebrating “no growth” and not anticipating surgery anytime soon. That and a nice prescription is helping me sleep at night….

No, it's not Cancer

2009-06-26T17:05:00.001-07:00

Nice way to start a blog, right?

So you may know, (or not) I was on a 'get healthy" kick in the fall. I quit eating wheat, and started eating more fruit and healthy proteins and blah blah blah (oh, I was still drinking, fear not...) and then around the beginning of November, I noticed that I was having distorted hearing and a ringing in my left ear. I truly thought it was a cold or something, and so I let it just work itself out for a few weeks. By the end of the month, I was ready to see some health care professionals.

I called my doc, who gave me (reluctantly) a referral to an ENT for December. She wanted me to wait two more weeks, but I told her that by the time I got the referral and made an appointment, it would already be two weeks, and if my ear was better by then, no harm, no foul...right?

I also believe in alternative medicine, so in early December, I saw my chiropractor, my acupuncturist, and the big guns, the ENT.

My chiro said I had a systemic yeast infection, and put me on a Candida diet for months. Over the course of four months, I saw him 12 times. I was cracked, adjusted, lasered, chanted to, and given lots of vitamins and herbs. The treatments and the diet made no difference in my hearing or the ringing.

I had a total of three acupuncture treatments over the course of three months, to clear up congestion and bought lots of herbal stuff. The acupuncturist poked me in the head, the hands, the face, and the feet. My congestion is less substantive, but it made no difference in my hearing or the ringing.

The ENT told me I had some hearing loss (duh) and to come back in three or four months, possibly for an MRI to see if there was a tumor or something else going on. Three months later I called for the MRI and he again made me come in for a hearing test, which showed a little bit more loss, not much, and again said to wait three or four months for the MRI.

In early June, I called my doc again and asked for a referral to another ENT (there isn't one in B'ham) because mine would not do the MRI. She scheduled the MRI for me the next week. (Have I told you I love my doc?) I went in on a Wednesday morning. That afternoon, her nurse called me (It's never a good sign when your doctor's office calls you the afternoon of a lab test....I know that from past experience.) She told me I had something called an "acoustic neuroma" that is was kind of rare, and she wanted to schedule an appointment for me to come in the next day and talk to my doc about the results. (another $15 copay)

I went in the next day (No Waiting!!) and she basically told me what I had already figured out (thank you Internet) that the acoustic neuroma was a small tumor on my auditory nerve that was causing the ringing, deafness and dizziness and that it might need to come out, but I definitely needed to see a neurosurgeon.

Oh, and that I was right (again) in my own self-diagnosis, and was there anything else I felt she needed to scan, because she was open to scheduling whatever test or referring me to whatever and whomever I wanted.

Referral 1:
A doctor here in Bellingham, who, when I called, could not see me until August. When offered another neuro in the office, I asked for someone familiar with my "issue" the helpful receptionist told me that they hardly ever treat that condition. Which led me to

Referral 2:
The GH specialist in Seattle, who's on-line bio was minimalistic, and our friend who is a doc in Seattle had never heard of him, which brings me to

Referral 3: (my poor doc's referral woman...she has been so nice to me..
I got an appointment with a doctor Rubinstein (NJB) at UW. There were three others whose name I got, who had treated other friends from B'ham, but I went with my gut and picked Dr. Jay as I am going to refer to him.

Supplemental consultation...there is a place in LA that is pretty well known for this kind of medical issue and does different kinds of treatment procedures and they do free phone consultations. I sent them my stuff last week. A doc from that facility called my home on the 24th, and got my daughter on the phone and told her he was looking for me to discuss my "brain scan and the tumor" Thanks. (I hadn't told her yet. I wanted to get all the information, plan of attack and prognosis to keep her from worrying. Thanks asshole. Welcome to HIPAA) She about shit. Actually, she told me she cried for about an hour and a half. She's so far behind me in tear time it's not even a competition. The news from the consult doctor was not good, but since I have no intention of seeing medical attention there, I'm guessing his opinion is shit now and does not deserve more space here...'nuff said.

So the last friday in June, Ken and I drove down to Seattle and spent two hours of my life planning my future with a man I had never met.

The long and the short of it is this:
Yes, there is a tumor.
No, it is not Cancer,
Yes I will lose all the hearing in my left ear.
No, the ringing in my left ear will probably not go away.
Yes, there is a slight chance I will have nerve damage in my face.
No, I am not happy about that.
Yes, that makes me nervous.
No, I won't ever need botox.
Yes, they will have to cut the nerve that helps me balance.
No, won't be able to go for a walk around the lake right away.
Yes, I will be able to drink shortly after surgery.
No, I will not be able to drive for a few months.
Yes, I will miss about a month of work.
No, I will not have to quit my job.
Yes, my boss said I could take a leave of absence.
No, I do not have sick time or vacation time at my job.
Yes, it needs to come out.
No, it does not need to come out today, this week or this month.
Yes, it can wait until after the Chanuka party.
No, I should probably not wait longer than that.

Thank you for your love and support

TMI

2009-06-11T22:25:00.000-07:00

Not the wine.
Not the mushrooms.
Not the wheat.
Not the yeast.
Not the Vitamin B.
Not gluten.
It's all in my head.
A small acoustic neuroma that may need to be removed surgically.
If I don't have the surgery, I could permanently lose the hearing in that ear.
If I don't have the surgery, I could be dizzy and have ear pain.
Said surgery could permanently destroy the nerve in my face that allows me to smile.

Personally, I'd rather be deaf in that ear.

Hear Hear

2009-06-10T20:30:00.000-07:00

Those of you who have been paying attention to my Facebook since December will possibly recall that I have been having issues with loss of hearing and a ringing in my left ear. I have been to an ENT specialist, an acupuncturist and a chiropractor, all of whom gave me drugs, both synthetic and natural, some of whom poked me, cracked me and adjusted me, all in vain to get the ringing to stop and my hearing to improve.

I have been adding new (sometimes disgusting) foods, and avoiding others (favorites.) I have quit drinking coffee, black teas, milk, soda pop and fruit juice, beer and wine. None of which made a lick of difference.

Today, I finally had the MRI. I went in thinking, ok, at least let's rule out something.

You know you are in trouble when your doctor calls the afternoon of your MRI to have you "come in and talk about the results"

More tomorrow.

CD Mix 9

2009-04-13T22:04:00.000-07:00

1. Shortest song in your collection—This is stupid Bloodhound Gang
Alternate: Drunk Driving, Sublime: actually shorter than the 18 seconds as reported.

2. Color my world—Red & Black Aaron Sanger

3. Good song from a rotten movie—Power of Two: Boys on the Side…sort of preachy, don’t you think? Alternates When You’re Good To Mama…From Chicago..actually, I loved all the music on this..Mr. Cellophane, Even Richard Gere surprised me. I thought this said bad song from a bad movie….anything from Mama Mia will fit, especially if Pierce Brosnan is pretending to sing on it.

4. Sincerest form of flattery —Could it be Magic Barry Manilow…guilty pleasure..I don’t care what you think…

5. Song about a character you don’t like—Springtime For Hitler..duh

6. Family Act—Peace Song Dean & Dudley Evenson Healing The Holy Land

7. Song about sex—Viagra in the Waters four Bitchin Babes. Alternates Let’s talk about sex baby Salt ‘n Pepa; Sexy Back Justin Timberlake

8. Department of Redundancy Department—Maria Maria dare you to sit still listening to this song..Santana

9. Song about the time of day—Saturday night and Sunday morning..if I’ve used this before, accept my apology. Morning has Broken Cat Stevens

10. A song that “takes you back.” Sound of Silence – Simon and Garfunkle, 6th grade choir.. Alternate..all have already been used on multiple cd’s…. Hard Day’s Night…Only Beatles can…Sailing, Chris Cross, At 17, Janice Ian..Here Comes the Sun…already alternate for Best. Song.Ever. Tears for Fears brings me a little closer to present, but still memory music…

11. Spoken word—Wasted Time, sharing a swallow. George Carlin…. Alternates wanted seven words…seven minutes…Friendship Test, Tenacious D

12. Alternate version—Counting Crows - Mr. Jones

13. SAT vocab song—My Favorite moment of The Bee_ Putnam County Spelling Bee

14. Epic—Eleanor_Rigby The Beatles

15. Nonsense—Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da The Beatles

16. Song about first love—First Love Adele

17. Kick-ass cover song—Teach me tonight Liza
Alternate: Bye Bye Blackbird..Joe Cocker In My Life, Bette Midler

18. Song you wish you had sung backup on. Walls Come Tumbling Down Tracey Spring

19. Amnesty song—Clementine – Raining Jane

20. Greatest song ever written, period. More than a Feeling Boston. The Best. Ask them. They’ll tell you. ALTERNATES: Here comes the sun Girls Just Wanna have Fun You’re Only Human

CD Mix 8

2008-12-04T19:43:00.001-08:00

CD Mix 8. And they said it couldn’t be done. Here’s my list with some potential alternate tracks

1. Title track Funhouse Pink I have a lot of cds with title tracks, but this is the newest. I really like the whole CD
2. I Command You Baby Get Lost Queen Latifah
3. Human Anatomy 101 Cold Shoulder Adele Another new CD, this was more of a challenge. I wanted to use something off the CD, not my favorite song, but a good one.
4. Song about waiting Sitting, Waiting, Wishing Jack Johnson I have become such a big fan of this guy, probably because he is from Hawaii
5. Novelty song Ride the Lawn Dana Lyons His bigger hit is “Cows With Guns” but this song got airplay on Car Talk.
6. Great song on a shit album Bitch Meredith Brooks
7. Song from 2008 It’s Over John Legend
8. Song about school Grade 9 Barenaked Ladies
9. This & That Buildings and Bridges Ani DiFranco
10. Dedication: Friendship Tenacious D to Stennie….
11. Favorite song from the year you graduated high school Fame David Bowie 1975 Baby!!
12. Song you are most surprised to discover in your CD/MP3 collection. It’s Time to Change The Brady Bunch Surprised, shocked and disgusted.
13. Kick-ass cover Amazing Grace Ric Henry. We went to school together and he just kept on performing. His voice is so crystal clear, and I love this song so much.
14. Song with your name in the title . Marla Another Breath (amazing lyrics!!). OK, there are four songs in the ITunes store with my name in the title. This one had the worst (for me) music and the most amazing lyrics.
15. Smoking song— Cigarette Ben Folds Five
16. Song about magic . Magic Foot 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee I know I use something from this CD in almost every mix. It’s playing here in Bellingham this spring. I can’t wait!!
17. Next song Heidi should learn on the guitar Here Comes the Sun Beatles! You probably already know this, but just in case…
18. Introductory song: . She Billy Joel Not a big toe tapper, but lovely, and hey, it’s Billy….
19. Amnesia: Don’t Forget Me. Red Hot Chili Peppers
20. Amnesty song Fine and Dandy Fine and Dandy this fit into so many categories…1, 9, and 16. (It’s not specifically about magic, but I can make my right leg disappear to this song )When Bet and Stennie were talking about this song on the Hucklebug, I knew I had to use it. I got this CD as a gift….it’s amazing!!

Thanks for Giving 1998

2008-11-24T15:07:00.000-08:00

I’m a procrastinator. I can prove it. The first time I cleaned my gas oven was four years after I bought it. I had my reasons. I didn’t really use it all that much. Most of the time, I cook on the stove or in the microwave.

A few years ago one September, there was that messy lasagna. It had been quite full in the pan, and was pretty juicy. For weeks I smelled garlic, basil and burning cheese every time I baked cookies or a cake.

As Thanksgiving approached, I thought about cleaning my oven. It wasn’t that the combination of turkey and Italian spices would be unappetizing, but somewhere in the back of my head, I had visions of turkey grease, smoke and fire.

The necessity for cleaning my oven became immediate. Well, immediate for a procrastinator. I read the directions for cleaning my oven the morning of Thanksgiving. (Did I mention my oven was self-cleaning? I never realized it took four to six hours to clean an oven that way.) I decided to wait until after Thanksgiving dinner. After all, the oven would just get dirty right away anyway. If I waited until Friday, I could clean the turkey stuff and the lasagna stuff all at once. And besides, my mother-in-law was coming for Thanksgiving, and I didn’t want the house to smell like fresh cleaned oven.

I carefully placed our 14 pound royal bird in the oven, using my very sturdy, one inch deep cookie sheet. (Did I also mention this was the first time I cooked a turkey in the oven? I usually bar-b-q turkey. It’s faster that way.)

About 45 minutes later, I noticed what seemed to be an inordinate amount of liquid in the pan. Hmmm, I thought. I knew the turkey had been completely defrosted and the innards were out. I looked in my poultry cookbook (for the first time) and read the directions, only to find that I should have placed the turkey in a deeper pan. I did my best to scoop out the liquid. Another 45 minutes went by, and I had to repeat the process. This time, I noticed the liquid was more dense and flowing faster. Some had dripped over the edge of the pan. Aha, I thought, I’m baking off all that nasty fat. 30 minutes later, smoke began to escape from the oven vent. I opened the oven door to find my turkey in flames. I quickly ushered my children outside, in case the oven blew up. I called the fire department (who happened to have a fire stations just acrosw the street. ) My husband grabbed the fire extinguisher and I urgently suggested to him that he not spray toxins on our dinner. In his panic, haste, and I’m sure, desire to keep a roof over our heads that night, he aimed, fired, and dressed our dinner in white.

We had my favorite meal for Thanksgiving that year. Dinner out.

Wow. two months later....

2008-09-03T22:09:00.000-07:00

VOTE

The Past Thirty Days WTF*

2008-06-24T17:22:00.000-07:00

*Way Toomany Funerals

So, if you have been following along, you will know that my friend Tom Hunter passed away a few days ago...

While this was tragic, and quite an upset to the folk community, it was by no means the only topsy to my turvy life.

Tom first became ill and was diagnosed in April-May. In the meantime, two women friends had been fighting the good fight against F-ing Cancer for a while now.... So I was already on pins and needles, just waiting for the phone to ring or the e-mail to arrive. Let me just tell you about the past thirty days....

False Alarm....June 3
On June 3, the phone rang. It was not a call I expected. It was from a friend asking me if it were true that a mutual acquaintance had left work for the ER suffering from chest pains. Now this was a story being circulated by teenagers, so I had to call and check. I called the mutual friend's office, asked the secretary "yes or no, is she or isn't she" and the second I heard "yes" I said goodbye, put the phone down and grabbed my keys and headed for the hospital. In all honesty, I had been a little less than friendly with my friend for a few weeks, and was looking forward to a summer break to let the nerve endings relax, but seeing her in the hospital bed changed all that. I broke down and told her, begged her, not to die just yet, that I still needed her around. I know, that's pretty stupid and self centered, but I guess in a way it was like seeing ME in there, and really not being ready for my own mortality. I mean, if my peers can just be dropping like flies, how could I possibly be prepared? How could my children? My mother? I spent about 3 hours in the hospital, and then I left her with her family. She was discharged to her home, where she had family stay overnight. (good news, she is fine, no apparent damage or involvement, other then TOO MUCH STRESS)

Leslie Vietch- June 3

Ten days before before graduation, the same friend told me that another mutual acquaintance had been diagnosed in March with F-ing Abdominal Cancer, and hospice had been called in. March? 3 months? WTF?? Later that same afternoon, June 3, I received the e-mail, she had died over the weekend and her funeral plans were made for the afternoon of Big Sister's high school graduation ceremony....

I went to the funeral, it was so so sad, so many us women looking at their own mortality, so many of us looking around, hugging friends, thinking quietly...Are you next? Are you? Am I?

Jose Simon- June 6

My first husband called me from the airport later that afternoon. He had flown in from a business trip to SF, and saw a guy I met in San Francisco years ago. I told my first husband to tell him we had a mutual friend, and he said, Oh, yeah, terrible that he died suddenly in April after a surgical procedure. I was stunned when I heard that. Jose was a little guy with a big heart and a big vision. He created Comedy Day in San Francisco Golden Gate Park. He was a genius. He was a MexicanMenstch. And he was always so kind and generous to me and my family.

Ruth Ashworth June 7

The next morning there was another e-mail...another death in the community, one of the two women couldn't fight it anymore...It being Saturday, of course, meant the next day was church. (Unitarian, don't get excited) and I had agreed to usher. There were so many tears that morning, people hugging, crying, random and frequent "I love you"s and "take care of yourself" all morning...

Tom Hunter June 20

That Wednesday, June 18, I gathered all my courage, and drove up to his house....I had heard that he was no longer responsive. I wanted to do something I wasn't sure I could see him, and even if I did, I wasn't sure I could hold it together....so I left my car at the bottom of the hill and walked up to the back door. Morgan, Aeden's sweetheart, turned her head towards me, just as I had put the flowers on the deck and was turning to leave. I caught her eye, and we waved at each other. She came out of the house and asked me if I wanted a hug. Of course, I said and then I gave her a hug big enough for the five of them, Morgan, Tom, Gwen, Aeden and Irene. (Poor Morgan, I'm sure I squished the air out of her!!) She gave the me lowdown on what was happening inside, and after a few minutes, she went back in, and I turned to leave..I slowly, really slowly walked to the gate, and then Irene cam out, shortly followed by Gwen. It was so good to see them both, so good to give them both hugs.

And then they invited me in...and I've already told that story, so I won't repeat it. The memorial for Tom was June 28, about 500 people in a packed church all there to cry, sing and share a mournful moment.

Jim Maynard June 23

My friend Kathy sent me an e-mail that her father-in-law died a week after falling in his house. He didn't go to the hospital after the fall. He didn't even go to the doctor. But he didn't feel right. The day he died, apparently his sister sent somone to his house to DRAG him to the doctor, but it was too late..she found him on, the ground, and it was too late....

Katie Walker-Friday July 2

OK, so this is the second of the two women who I talked about earlier...this to me is almost the most tragic, even though each of the above is so so sad. I guess what I mean is that Katie's passing is so hard for me, not because she and I were close, in fact, we only even connected over her being sick, but because her youngest two children are just a year younger than each of mine. As amazing a family as they are, the thought of her two children not having her at their high school graduation, the day they go off to college or other passages they are sure to experience is beyond my comprehension.

I don't very much enjoy this stage of my life..watching so many of my peers, my friends pass before me.

I guess what makes it even more ironic (is that the right use of the word Stennie?) is that yesterday, my friend Nina's killer had a three hour parole hearing (which was thankfully denied.) It occurred to me that after she died, I made a silent promise to keep her memory alive. Then when another friend died who was particularly inspirational to me, I promised to keep his memory alive. Now with all these passings in the past thirty days, I am overwhelmed with memories to keep alive. Maybe I need to figure out a different way to handle death.

Just One More Time

2008-06-20T07:10:00.000-07:00

From Gwen, Aeden, & Irene
Tom took his last breath this morning, June 20, at 3:39 surrounded by the three of us and an amazing amount of love. We cried, laughed, prayed, embraced, hummed "How Can I Keep From Singing" and sang "The Garden Song." We lit a candle.A new journey has begun for all four of us.

I responded to a silent request and showed up at the house on Tuesday, the 18th. I walked into that house, not really knowing what to expect. I've visited "dying" homes and hospital rooms before but this one was really different. It smelled better, it was full of light and loaded, floor to ceiling, with love. So much love. It was comforting. I like to think that when he took that last shallow breath this morning, it was a happy, content one. Godspeed my friend, and thank you so much for sharing...

Just one more time he said to see the sky
One more time to smell your hair
Just one more time to tell you I love you
One more time, I want to be there.

It happened so suddenly
It seemed so unreal
This thing, it is fatal
How on earth will we heal?

This is how I’m getting by
This is how I’m getting through
Every day, every way, I cherish memories of you

Just one more time, he said, to see the sky
One more time to smell your hair
Just one more time to tell you I love you
One more time, I want to be there.

Singing songs, in a circle
Greeting friends, far and wide
Barbequing in the backyard
Even when it’s raining outside

This is how I’m getting by
This is how I’m getting through
Every day, every way, I cherish memories of you

Just one more time, he said, to see the sky
One more time to smell your hair
Just one more time to tell you I love you
One more time, I want to be there.

So many children you have known
So many now are fully grown
They will take you songs, the word you’ve penned
And future voices will forever blend

This is how I’m getting by
This is how I’m getting through
Every day, every way, I cherish memories of you

Just one more time, he said, to see the sky
One more time to smell your hair
Just one more time to tell you I love you
One more time, I will be there.
c-Marla Bronstein 2008

Mr Tom Hunter

2008-05-25T20:26:00.000-07:00

http://tomhunterblog.blogspot.com/

So here's the weird thing...Tom is still alive, very much so, well, less so than he has been in the past 60+ years, but alive nevertheless, but he has a fatal brain disease.

Fatal.

I fucking hate that word.

Now, realistically, I know we all are destined to die. Yes, even you and me. Someday.

But somehow, I have always associated death with old people, like my grandparents. My grandfather died when he was 60, and both my mom's parents died in their 60's. But I was much younger than I am now. The difference between my age and theirs when they died was 45-60 years...so in my mind, by today's standards, people are not due to die until they are 95-120 years old.

I know I need to go see him, to talk to him, to hold his hand and tell him how much the last 15 years of my life have been so enhanced since I have had him in my life.

I don't want to see him like this. It's not that I'm afraid. I've seen many people closing in on their final days. I know I know what to do, and how to act. Usually.

I just don't think I can go to HIS house and be strong and supportive this time. Oh, I'm good at writing on his blog. I've written a few times...I leave amusing anecdotes, meaningful comments, you know, stuff that would make him feel good.

I think about all the things that remind me of him. I still hear him playing tennis across the street mid-afternoon, laughing when he misses a shot. (He doesn't have to laugh very much.) Memorial Day Weekend. Labor Day Weekend. Folk Music. Rabbits, Rabbits, Rabbits. Letting Gwen's Cancer out of the bag. Great conversations about religion, family, children, life's passions.

It's killing part of me too.

I just imagine walking into the house, seeing him sitting, curled up in a chair, surrounded by his family and friends, and me breaking into hysterics and needing a xanax to calm down.

Tom is an amazing man, and he will ALWAYS be an amazing spirit. I wish I had his strength.

McKenzie 1987-2008

2008-04-03T07:47:00.000-07:00

Even if you didn't know McKenzie, you'd know her sound.

Strong.

Guttural.

"Feed Me, Pet Me" she was saying...

Not anymore.

She has been sick for the past few weeks, and at 4am, she took her last breath. My first husband and I were with her, and as I stroked her back, she slipped away. The kids are (understandably) upset and confused as to what to do next.

Even if you are not a cat person, I know you will understand the sense of loss we all, especially Big Sister and Little Brother, feel today.

I'll rest when I am dead

2008-03-30T20:51:00.000-07:00

Write your life in six words.
Six words — no more; no less.
Why six words, you might ask. Where did this approach come from? Some trace it to Ernest Hemmingway. He wrote this six-word story (possibly to win a bar bet): "For sale: baby shoes, never worn."
What is a six-word memoir?
It can be funny, sad, insightful.
It's the core of your self.
It's how you see your life.

hee hee

2008-03-23T21:36:00.001-07:00

oh my god oh my god check this out!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuIw84Pc_84

sports

2008-03-22T12:11:00.000-07:00

Does anyone listen to "Loose Cannons" on CBS radio? If so, let me know, I got dirt on Steve Hartman...

CD Mix 6!!

2008-01-27T20:22:00.000-08:00

Sad that I only write when Stennie charges us with a CD mix...here is #6 for your listening (and reading) pleasure...

1. Sellout (Mix #4)— Unwritten Natasha Bedingfield - If I see that Pantene commercial one more time, I may just kick the TV

2. A song that’s in a foreign language (Mix #1) Din Din Wo - So pretty

3. A song about cheating (Mix #3) Lives Apart –Hans York - I saw this guy live, he didn't sing this song, but I love the quality of his voice. And he is so nice too!!

4. Song that makes you cry (Mix #2) Everything’s Possible == Motherlode -- I love these lades.

5. B-side (Mix #3) I Miss You Kimya Dawson From the B Side of a Movie Soundtrack….does that count? From Juno, the movie I currently hate.

6. Kick-ass cover song (all)— Hey Jude Wilson Pickett So awesome...

7. Earworm (Mix #2)—Let’s get this party started - Pink I love her, and not a bad earworm to have, I must say.

8. A favorite live track (Mix #1) Fooling Yourself Styx This song makes me think of Spanky.

9. Title out of nowhere (Mix #5)—Maybe You’re Right Barenaked Ladies - always BNL..

10. A favorite song you have discovered since our last CD Mix (Mix #4) Superwoman Alicia Keyes - One of the few CD's I bought of Itunes in its entirety.

11. Favorite artist duo collaboration (Mix #1) Time After Time Cindy Lauper/Sarah McLaughlin. I love their voices, and there was a DVD version included!!

12. Geographical location song (Mix #3)—Boulevard of Broken Dreams – Green Day Spanky hates these guys. Can you say Sellout?

13. Musical question… (Mix #4) What’s for Breakfast - Blues Traveler

14. And answer! (Mix #4)— Something Bad Idina Menzel, Wicked

15. Four-letter word (Mix #5)— Bitch (that kind of four letter word?) Meredith Brooks

16. Seven Deadly Sins (Mix #2)—Sin Wagon - Dixie Chicks

17. A song you wouldn’t play in front of your Mom (Mix #1)—My Unfortunate Erection – Putnam Spelling Bee -- Oh My God this song makes me laugh and makes Spanky cringe!1

18. Song about violence and/or death (Mix #3) Guilty Hands – The Senate These guys are amazing to watch, and again, so so nice. I hope you like them. Check out their website http://www.senateband.com/

19. Guilty pleasure song (#2) Shine On Leela Gilday - again, nice girl, lovely voice.

20. Amnesty Song - with a twist! A song that fits any two of the categories above. (Mixes #2-5, minus twist) Life, In a Nutshell Barenaked Ladies (14 and 19) just because I could eat them for breakfast...

Enjoy!!

First Pics from Hawaii

2007-11-21T19:57:00.000-08:00

Well, I've been and am back....that was the fastest 9 days of my life!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

CD Mix #5

2007-10-08T07:49:00.000-07:00

Stennie charges again....Even thought I mailed my CDs out by the due date (oct 1) I have still only received 3 of 8 as of today, and there's no mail today!!! What's up with that????

This was harder than most, and even though the categories were very cool, it wasn't as much fun this time. Maybe because I knew I wouldn't see songs from SoyGoy or other CD Mix regulars. I have enjoyed newbies Duke and Sal....thanks for playing.

1. Song that has the same title as #18 VacationTowncrier The End and Everything After This is one of those songs I had to pick up out of Itunes because I wanted a vacation song and I didn’t have one. The song I originally had was too long for the CD

2. Song about the moon Listen To The Moon Hans York Inside Out I just heard this guy sing locally, he’s got that mellow sound I could live with…This song was listed incorrectly on the CD, if you could read it on your computer...sorry.

3. Fashion police: Glove Killdren WIAF E.P. Yep, Little Brother’s garage band is at it again…listen to those cool bass licks…

4. Song about one of the seasons: Summer Love George Benson That's Right Oh yea…

5. “Title out of nowhere:” Regarding Steven Blues Traveler Live From The Fall [Disc 1] Love these guys

6. Spell it out: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Company Soundtrack hee hee… thanks to Shawn F. to turning me on to this soundtrack. I’d love to do this show in B’ham, but “my unfortunate erection” would never make it on stage…

7. New song: Inside Out, Sara Barielles Sara Bareilles Careful Confessions My BFF used to babysit her in CA. very pop now

8. A song that says goodbye Goodbye Earl Dixie Chicks Fly my favorite song for DV month

9. Home: “I am…I said” Neil Diamond Hot August Night For you Stennie.

10. A song that makes you sad Tears in Heaven – Eric Clapton Eric Clapton: The Best of - Clapton Makes me think of lost children.it came out right after my niece was killed in a car accident. (#2--sorry!!)

11. Psycho: Crazy Babies Ozzy Osbourne The Essential Ozzy (Disc 1) From Little Brother’s collection

12. Song everyone hates except you. Momnipotent Nancy White Momnipotent While I was burning this, LB said “Not again!”

13. Four-letter word: Hero David Crosby & Phil Collins Love them.

14. Thanks: Thank you Baby! Shania Twain Up! (Red Disc) Desperate times call for desperate measures…

15. Song you think should have been playing when you were born My Fat is my Fortune Various Artists MESHUGGAH-Nuns! Cracks me up…this show is going up in B’ham in December. Get your tickets now.

16. Kick-ass cover redux: Every little thing he does is magic (#2--sorry!!) Shawn Colvin Cover Girl I know, I already had this one on a mix too…sorry. I do like it though.

17. Song about the sun Here comes the Sun (#2--sorry!!) The Beatles Abbey Road My “new home-just hooked up the stereo” song.

18. Song that has the same title as #1. Vacation Ernest S. Papay kids'songs! - Kid Karaoke - How many days to Hawaii???

19. Bonus Track (optional): sorry….no room!!

oy

2007-10-04T18:55:00.000-07:00

How long does it have to be for me to have completely forgotten my password and so I had to re-set ...

Assuming since I have had virtually NO comments since July, I wasn't really missed.

I'm just hopping on to let you know that I've got one month before I turn the big 5-0..

I know!!

And I have lost only about 4 lbs, which I could gain back in a heartbeat...

And I will.

100 days

2007-07-27T23:25:00.000-07:00

My dear Friend Coral sent this to me today...I had no idea. My counter at the bottom of this page doesn't count the days...I have to figure out if I can adjust this...]

In 100 days you, Marla Bronstein, will be 50 years old! Woo hoo!!
love, Coral
xoxoxo

Complete the task.....

How Many Words Can You Find? See how many words you make using the letters in "One Hundred Days"

One Hundred Days

The Second in 24

2007-07-23T17:25:00.000-07:00

Here's the second script...This was more difficult, I had had only 4 hours of sleep, and panicked at 3am when I only had three minutes of staged writing...

It went over very well..I was completely exhausted at the end, but very gratified that I had succeeded...

JAZ: You’re listening to the reading of some of the names from the Relay for Life
Sparky Finn
Laurie Hart
John Romero
Diane Carsten
Margaret Nel
Robert Klein
Evelyn Polinder
Gene Dunlap
Fred Bannister
Gene Tucker
Grandma Rose
Debbie Tran
You’re listening to the reading of some of the names from the Relay for Life

(RACHEL APPEARING TO HAVE JUST HAD MEDICAL EXAM-CHRIS IN DR. COAT)
RACHEL: I just turned 16. Some people say I look older, some say I look younger. I think it depends on what I’m wearing and if I have makeup on. I just got my driver’s license. Really, I’ll show you. It’s not even the permanent one, it’s that funky black and white one you get while they check to see if you have a criminal record. I guess they also use it to register you for jury duty. I guess that’s if you’re over 18. I’d love to do jury duty, it seems so cool to sit there and listen to people’s stories, and then decide if they’re guilty or innocent, or if they were wronged in some way by the “other guy.” I totally believe in justice. Like if you do something wrong, there has to be a consequence, and if you do good things, then your life is rewarded.
No, I’m not getting all religious on you. I just try to live honestly and ethically, and have faith that I’m living a good life.
Why did I come in? My mom. Ugh. I have all these bruises on my arms and on my calves. I don’t know exactly when they happened, but I told her they were from soccer, but she made me come in anyway, just to get checked out. (CHRIS PUTS HIS HAND ON HER SHOULDER, HOLD A BEAT)
I’m sorry what?. (LIGHTS OUT ON RACHEL)

Jaz: You’re listening to the reading of some of the names from the Relay for Life
Lauren Strom
Russ Hardman
Dana Gustafson
Jim Smith
Karen Jackson
Diane Beld
Mary Lund
Ray Barton
Larry Johnson
Darlene Erickson
Virgil Allen
Ronald J. Taylor
You’re listening to the reading of some of the names from the Relay for Life

ZOE: (WITH HANDHELD MIC-DOES NOT HAVE TO BE FUNCTIONAL..AS IF DOING STANDUP COMEDY) Cancer sucks; let’s just get that out of the way. I’d like to kick Cancer in the Ass. I would like to fuck it up. I’ve never fucked up anything before, so I really think that would be cool. Oh wait, I fucked up a Spanish test last year. But it was stupid. It was about sports vocabulary, and I really don’t care about sports. I like to make people laugh. It feels good to laugh, don’t you think. Try it. No really, like this. (laughs, encourages audience to laugh too.-cuts them off) See, feel better? Or do you feel stupid? I’m sorry, what? That’s ok mister, you did look stupid, but that lady over here was watching you, and it made her laugh.
See, that’s the beauty of laughter. It’s healing. So I decided to get cancer before it gets me. See, I just found out that because there is cancer on both sides of my family, it increases my chances of getting it. I got my dad’s teeth, my mom’s eyes, and cancer genes. Sweet! So I keep laughing. Sometimes for no reason. That sort of fucks with people. I figure, I may get lucky and cancer may come along while I’m laughing, and then I’ll be ready to kick it’s ass.

Jaz: You’re listening to the reading of some of the names from the Relay for Life
Al Rozinski
Aunt Lorraine
Christine Walsh
Lois Archer
Lola Stone
Dory Roberts
Frank Langwa
Jessica Smith
Robert Mitchell
Vera Clock
Joe Martin
Beth Brown
You’re listening to the reading of some of the names from the Relay for Life

(SIDE BY SIDE IN CHAIRS, AS IF IN INFUSION CENTER)
CHRIS: What are you in for?

JOHN: I’m sorry, what?

CHRIS: What kind of cancer do you have?

JOHN: Lymphoma (shows him) you?

CHRIS: Prostate, (starts to show him, thinks again) How long?

JOHN: 4 weeks, 7 treatments to go. You.?

CHRIS: Same.

JOHN: (Pause)

CHRIS: How are you feeling?

JOHN: Sick to my stomach

CHRIS: Yeah, me too.

JOHN: Puking up my dinner

CHRIS: Praying to the porcelain god.

JOHN: Deliver a Copy of the Starr Report to the Porcelain Chamber

CHRIS: Uncivil Forfeiture of the Stroganoff

JOHN: Horizontal Liquid Graffiti

CHRIS: Chemo gift

JOHN: making gravy

CHRIS: it's a perfect 10 on the Linda Blair scale!!!!!

JOHN: Re-Doing Lunch

CHRIS: rewinding dinner

JOHN: Having an oral movement

CHRIS: re-greeting eating

JOHN: recycled meatloaf

CHRIS: downloading

JOHN: uploading

CHRIS: protein spill

JOHN: liquid laugh

CHRIS: spout fruit

JOHN: shout at your shoes

CHRIS: reverse gears

JOHN: the supermodel sound-off

CHRIS: Technicolor yawn

JOHN: Gorking Up The Four Food Groups

CHRIS: Mouth Fart

JOHN: eating backwards

CHRIS: Round Trip Meal Ticket

JOHN: sidewalk food

CHRIS: barfing up a lung

JOHN: Oral Target Practice

CHRIS: Oncologic Offering

JOHN: Here's Ralph! Where's Johnny?

CHRIS: Talking to God on the big white phone!

JOHN: from the stomach, past the gums, look out family here it COMES!

Jaz: You’re listening to the reading of some of the names from the Relay for Life
Naomi Loomis
Marie Geiger
Laura Huffman
Kelsy Mannis
Bill and Helen Bishop
Carol Ulrich
Vera Johnson
Ira Brown
Grandpa Al Windsor
Carole McBride
Donna Burgis
: Josie Chance
You’re listening to the reading of some of the names from the Relay for Life

RACHEL: (HAIR TIED UP IN SCARF AS IF BALD)
I just finished my first six months of having my driver’s license. 6 months since my diagnosis. I missed junior prom last spring. I had a date, this really hot guy that I’ve totally been crushing on since February, but (touches scarf on head) I couldn’t find a dress to match my scarf. Nothing fit right; I’ve lost so much weight. Heck of a diet, huh? And then all I could think about was that I had a garbage bag full of my hair in the bathroom. What hairstyle would possible work for me…. Hey, you know what the greatest thing about chemo is? No more bad hair days!!! So in the end, I didn’t go. But not because of the cancer.
No really, I changed my mind. I had this big science paper due the next week, and I had already missed so much school, I have to keep my grades up so I can get a scholarship for college. I really wanted to go to the dance. My mom went crazy when I told her I wasn’t going. She wants me to live one day at a time. I do. Sort of. I refuse to believe that I won’t be able to go to college. I‘m still trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up. (shakes it off) Ok, ok ok. Today, what am I doing today? Right now, I am kicking Cancer’s ass.

Jaz: You’re listening to the reading of some of the names from the Relay for Life
Bob Eickert
Edward J. Kimball
Kathleen Marshall
Skip
Ed Mansonick
Ivar Peterson
Deb Johnson
George Summersby
Sue March
Becky Taylorson
Mary Cane
You’re listening to the reading of some of the names from the Relay for Life

(TWO CHAIRS, AS IF WATCHING TV)
ZOE: Are you thirsty?

JOHN: No thanks

ZOE: Hungry?

JOHN: Nope

ZOE: Do you feel a draft?

JOHN: I’m good

ZOE: Are you comfortable there? Do you want anther pillow?

JOHN: (irritated) I’m fine

ZOE: I’m sorry,

JOHN: No I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have snapped at you

ZOE: No, you were right, I’m annoying, I try not to be. Tell me what you need, and
I’ll get it for you.

JOHN: I need you to quit babying me.

ZOE: I’m afraid

JOHN: I’m sorry, I’m sorry, you didn’t do anything wrong. You’re fine. We’re fine. Ok? Ok?

ZOE: Ok.

JOHN: So just treat me like normal, ok? No special treatment we’ll just take things day by day, ok?

ZOE: Ok

JOHN: Now I’m going to watch the rest of the game ok? You don’t have to sit with me.

ZOE: Ok, I’m going into the kitchen for a drink, you sure you don’t want something? (he puts his hand up, smiles) ok. I’ll be right back (exits to “kitchen”, after a beat)
John; can you come in and take out the garbage?

JOHN: But I’m sick!

Jaz: You’re listening to the reading of some of the names from the Relay for Life (this continues under the last, and until the end)
Diedre Kent
Bess Chrisman
Linda Allen

CHRIS: I walk because, at least I feel like I’m doing something positive

JAZ: Joe Super
Shirley Simon
Gwen Hunter

JOHN: I walk because I can

JAZ: Rosemary Wefer
Katie Walker
Bonnie Hart Southcott

ZOE: I walk because I’m going to kick cancer’s ass

JAZ: Blythe Cole Bush
Clay Millage
Connie Orfanos

RACHEL: I walk because I’m a survivor

JAZ Alton Grimes
Zachary Bunnell
Julie Nawrocki
Betty Ann Reay
You’re been listening to the reading of some of the names from the Relay for Life

4 into 48

2007-07-14T10:48:00.000-07:00

The amount of hours I have slept in the past 48 averages to one every 12, which really isn't enough for someone at my advanced stage of life. Here is the script I wrote based on the theme "I'm never doing that again." I'll post today's later on.
HARRY POTTER MUST DIE
WRITTEN BY MARLA BRONSTEIN
DIRECTED BY SHAWN FULLER
JK ROWLING TERI GRIMES
DANIEL/HARRY at 25 CHRIS BALLOU
RUPERT/RON at 25 JOHN HIEBERT
CRAZED FAN ZOE BRONSTEIN
TECH JAZ OKURA-YOUTSEY

JK Ladies and Gentleman, boys and girls, wizards and muggles, welcome to Grauman’s Chinese Theatre for the movie opening of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the “final” of my well respected and incredibly financially successful series of Harry Potter. Yes, I am the incredible JK Rowling. (waves in applause) Now, put your hands together for two of your favorite warlocks, Harry Potter and Ron Weasley.

HARRY AND RON ENTER IN FULL WIZARD REGALIA, AND BOW ACCORDINGLY

FAN (PLANTED IN AUDIENCE - WAVING) I love you Harry, I love you Ron. Where’s Hermione?

HARRY (WAVING) Thank you all for coming today, we’re so pleased to see you all

FAN Harry Potter, Harry Potter, Where’s Hermione?

RON Yes well, I’m also happy to have you all here, and I’m sure I’m not ruining the plot for anyone if I tell you that I’m relieved my character finally gets to….

FAN: (WAVING) Ron Weasly, Ron, Hi Hi, Where’s Hermione?

JK: Hermione, I mean Emma Watson, had a previous commitment and regrets she cannot be here.

RON Yeah, the remake of “Taxi Driver.”

JK: Little Trollop that she is

HARRY Hang on there, you’d got to give her that she’s broken out of the character mold.

JK: Bloody Hell, that little ingrate, I made that little bitch and this is the thanks I get. Now why couldn’t she be more like you Daniel, you went off and became a well respected stage actor.

HARRY And that was with my clothes off!

FAN: (WAVING) Woo hoo, Take it off Harry, (CHANTS) Equus!!! Equus!!

HARRY That girl is bloody mad.

JK: Young lady, either you refrain from further outbursts or I shall have you forcibly removed from this theatre.

HARRY Wait JK, I know how to deal with birds like this....Miss? Miss?

FAN: Me? Are YOU talking to ME? Oh. My. God. I’m going to vomit.

HARRY Yes Miss, would you mind ever so much to keep it down a bit so we can finish this introduction, and when we’re done perhaps I can show you a thing or two with my wand…

FAN: (Laughs, uncomfortably, uncontrollably, then quiet)

JAZ: (FROM THE BOOTH) Stop stop stop, I can’t stand this shit ANYMORE! (COMING TO THE STAGE AREA) Jesus, How many beers does a person need to drink to swallow this Harry Potter adoration shit?! I swear to God, If I see one more person with a lighting bolt, a magic wand, or a stuffed white owl, I will fucking go postal on his ass.

JK: Excuse me, you Hate Harry Potter? Why my child, how could you Hate Harry Potter. Everyone Loves Harry. Presidents. Teachers. Parents. Children. Ministers.

RON Not all ministers.

JK: Shut up Grint, you’ll never work in this town again

RON Sorry.

JK: Do I need to remind you that I dreamed up this story while I was a single mother on welfare. Just me, and my child, living from hand to mouth. Not knowing where our next meal would come from, where we would lay our heads to rest that night…

JK-HARRY-RON (together) And then Harry Potter came to me whilst at my deepest darkest moment, and here we are today.

RON Billions of dollars richer

JK: Shut up.

RON Sorry

JAZ: Gimmie a fucking break lady, like anyone with half a brain doesn’t know that Harry Potter is the English version of Rocky Balboa. The only thing I hate more than a sequel to a bad movie is a second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh sequel. Just kill Harry off already and put the world out of its misery.

JK: Look, up there in the light booth

JAZ: What the fuck (JK KNOCKS JAZ OUT, LAYS HER UPSTAGE)

JK: Now, where were we…ah yes, we were talking about this movie based upon my book, the final installment of the Harry Potter series

RON Hello what, final? I just signed a six year contract with you. What on earth was that for?

JK: I own Ron Weasly, or shall I say, I own YOU. The contract says in fine 3 point type, that for the next six years, If I so much as fart out an idea that suggests the character of Ron Weasley, you will be available to create that character for print, film, any video game platform, Japanese Anime and, Microsoft’s brain chip implant, expected to be available at a Best Buy near you at the after Thanksgiving sale this year. Get in line now.

RON Bloody Hell

JK: Ron, you know you need to watch your language. It’s in your contract.

RON (POINTING WAND AT JK) Petrificus Totalus! (SHE FALLS TO FLOOR AND FREEZES. SHE CAN MOVE HER EYES ONLY)

HARRY: JK. JK.. Rupe, what have you done?

RON I I I don’t know, I couldn’t control myself. It’s like someone else was controlling me. After all these years, all those humiliations, all those stupid goofy looks on camera. It’s like it was time. You know?

HARRY: Yeah man, it’s like she said. Rocky Balboa

RON Eh Dan, to be honest, I don’t know what that means.

HARRY: Rocky Balboa, the boxer played by Sylvester Stallone.

RON That actor who was frozen after the sixth Potter movie came out in 2015?

HARRY: So he could come back in 2076 and make the 10th sequel for the 100th anniversary.

RON Right, I do remember. Bloody hell, what’s to become of us Dan?

HARRY: I think of you more like Mr. Bean, while I am the Anthony Hopkins of our generation.

RON Help me?

HARRY: Well, I shouldn’t, but what the hell. All right, we’ll start slow. We’ve already tackled Comedy

RON I just flew in on my dad’s car, and boy am I tired. Get it? Tired.

HARRY: OK, lets move on to suspense

RON Harry! What’s behind that door?

HARRY: Action

RON Harry, careful of that golden snitch!

HARRY: Horror

RON Bloody hell, there are a million spiders!!

HARRY: Drama

RON What will you do now Harry?

HARRY: Romance

RON Hermione (HARRY SLAPS RON) Sorry. What’s left?

RON- HARRY: A musical

HARRY: Hit it maestro!

What do you get when you fall in love?
A bird with a pin to burst your bubble
That's what you get for all your trouble.
I'll never fall in love again.
I'll never fall in love again.

RON: What do you get when you kiss a gal?
You get enough germs to catch pneumonia.
After you do, she'll never phone you.
I'll never fall in love again.
I'll never fall in love again.

BOTH: Don't tell me what is all about,
'Cause I've been there and I'm glad I'm out,
Out of those chains, those chains that bind you
That is why I'm here to remind you

(JAZ COMES TO AS THEY SING TOGETHER, BY THE END OF THE CHORUS, SHE IS SCREAMING TO THE BOOTH, LIGHTS FULL)

HARRY: Well, that was different

RON Yeah

HARRY: How do you feel?

RON Like I’m king of the world

HARRY: No more Moldy Ron Weasly

RON No more moldy Harry Potter

HARRY: Hey

RON Well, not that there ever was

HARRY: Right. So, you wanna sing another song?

RON Hell no, I’m never doing that again. (LIGHTS OUT)

Scooterville

2007-07-04T07:33:00.000-07:00

The only problem with this commentary is that Keith Olbermann used words too big for W to understand. Do you think he has an interpreter to help him understand what's on TV, or is there someone's hand up his ass moving him like a puppet???

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-aRgFBDQp4

Sick again

2007-06-28T20:24:00.000-07:00

OK kids, I know it's been a while, but I wanted to keep you up to date.....I'm fucking sick again!!!

CDMix #4

2007-05-22T22:32:00.000-07:00

This was my fourth CD mix, and Flipsy is the only one bugging me to list my choices, but it’s a good excuse to write….

1. Song with a day of the week in the title.
Saturday Night And Sunday Morning Phil Collins

2. A song you disliked as a youngster that you like now.
Get Up Stand Up Bob Marley & The Wailers I don’t know why I didn’t like it. But maybe it’s because I couldn’t figure out why he kept saying the same thing over and over again. I guess it’s because it took about 500,000 times for me to understand what he meant…so it’s a good thing he kept repeating it.

3. Sellout - song from a TV commercial.
We Will Rock You Queen EVERY FUCKING COMMERCIAL. Puhleez!

4. Kickass cover song.
The Bitch Is Back Tina Turner LOVE. HER.

5. Musical question...
Why Annie Lennox Like I could resist.

6. And answer!
Don't Ask Me Why So many answers…this one was perfect

7. Third person song
She's a Rebel Green Day Little brother hates this group…had to pick it.

8. Uplugged - a favorite acoustic song.
. Crazy (Acoustic Version) Seal I love this guy’s voice….even though I don’t own any of his CDs..

9. A song about food.
Chocolate The Getaway People It has to be Chocolate…

10. Trains, Planes and Automobiles: song about a mode of transport
El Automovil Los Van Van I loved this song, and it made me miss Flipsy, and dancing on the beach in Florids

11. A song that cheers you up.
Big Girl (You Are Beautiful) MIKA I LOVE LOVE LOVE this guy, and again, I don’t own any of his CDs, I just listen to his music on MSN music and watch his in concert videos.

12. Media - songs about radio, TV or other type of media Video Killed the Radio Star (Radio Edit) Timeline Project This song reminds me of high school…I don’t know why. I don’t think it’s that old.

13. Add it up
One Short Day Idina Menzel/Kristin Chenoweth

14. plus
Three Little Birds Bob Marley & The Wailers

15. Equals
4 Leaf Clover Erykah Badu

16. Banned! A song that is, or was in its day, controversial.
Let's Go Get Stoned Ray Charles ‘nuf said.

17. A song about a family member
Sister Indigo Girls

18. A favorite song that you have discovered since our last CD mix.
- Maybe There's a World Yusuf Islam “ Again, I love this guy. Have since I was 15. Could listen to nothing but him for the rest of my life.

19. A song that reminds you of an old friend.
More Than A Feeling Boston I should have picked a different song….this person hasn’t been a friend for a long time.

20. Amnesty song
Hackensack Fountains Of Wayne I thought this was “Hackensaw” and I picked it out a long time ago for Bet, then when I read it more carefully, well, now I just feel dyslexic.

I hope you enjoyed these!!

HELLO, MISS ME?

2007-05-19T15:52:00.000-07:00

I can't explain why I haven't written in so long, it's not that I haven't wanted to...it's just that I haven't felt like it....

I know that must make sense to some/all of you. Thanks for understanding.

We are less than 6 months out to Hawaii (see way below for the countdown....) and I have lost all of 5 pounds...Oy. If I had one wish, it would be that everyone in Hawaii was fat for the week I was there.

Aloha.

Proud to be a Hamster

2007-03-29T21:01:00.000-07:00

BREAKING NEWS Mar. 29, 2007
PUBLIC SAFETY
Pedophile Web site shut down
HOW IT HAPPENED

BELLINGHAM -- A Web site catering to pedophiles and listing family events in Whatcom County has been shut down.

Internet service provider Network Solutions, which hosted the site, had its legal department review the site and decided it went against the company’s standards, a spokeswoman said.

The man who runs the “Seattle-Tacoma-Everett Girl Love” site said earlier this week it had been shut down before. He apparently moved it to a new service provider.

It was not immediately clear if he would against move the site to a new provider.

A story on the Web site appeared in Tuesday’s Bellingham Herald.

The Snohomish County man behind the site has been investigated by several police agencies. While the site contained photos of young girls at public events, lists of area events they might attend, and information on the law, there was nothing illegal on it, police said.

However, the site had drawn the attention of Perverted Justice, an online watchdog group that exposes pedophiles and alerts police about them. Its founder called the site “one of the most disturbing we’ve seen.”

A phone call from Opinion Editor Scott Ayers alerted the ISP that hosted the pedophile Web site. This was his blog from yesterday..

Phone call leads to suspension of pedophile’s Web site
SCOTT AYERS
THE BELLINGHAM HERALD

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Network Solutions, a Virginia-based Internet Service Provider, has suspended the Web site of a Northwest Washington man who promotes pedophilia.

The man’s site, at www.stegl.org, was run through Network Solutions until I phoned them Wednesday.

Spokeswoman Susan Wade told me the company’s legal department first contacted the man and demanded he give them a real name, and not the alias he had used to sign up for service.

The man told them his name is Jack McClellan. Wade said the department is still reviewing to make sure that also is not an alias, though the person did provide them with a driver's license or other identification. Local officials have since confirmed that is the Web site owner's name.

The legal department then reviewed the content of the site and suspended it for “going against our acceptable use policy,” Wade said.

The Web site called itself “Seattle-Tacoma-Everett girl love” and featured stories about pedophilia, links to other pedophilia sites and photos of local girls taken in public places.

Local police were monitoring the site, but said there was nothing illegal on it that they had found.

Whatcom County residents have been outraged since our news department broke the story of the site in Tuesday’s paper. Some who checked out the site found photos of their daughters or their daughters’ friends taken at public events in Whatcom County.

I was able to find the name of the ISP through a search tool known as Whois, which is available to anyone online. I contacted Wade as part of research I was doing for an editorial for this Sunday’s paper. Wade immediately told the company’s investigative office of the site and they took it down early Thursday morning.

Some people might argue that by doing so I have promoted censorship. I believe strongly that everyone has the right to free speech. But that doesn’t mean that businesses such as Network Solutions have to support that speech. They have the right to refuse service, and have done everyone a favor by shutting down this disgusting site.

QOATIP’S COMMENTS

I did go to the Stegl site yesterday. It gave me chills. The comments this person made in reference to the children was stomach churning. While I didn’t recognize any of the children photographed, I did attend some of those events. Now there is some what of a witch hunt for ANYONE photographing children….I guess you’ll be writing to me in jail soon…These People are sick sick sick….I don’t even know what to say about that. Except they are out there.....

Look, I wrote on a Tuesday!!!

2007-03-20T20:56:00.000-07:00

Monday meme - movies!
Found this meme over at Stennie’s.

1. Name a movie that you have seen more than 10 times.
Wizard of OZ
Shrek
Monsters, Inc.
Lady and the Tramp
Little Mermaid
South Park, Bigger Better, Uncut (can you tell my kids are getting older?)

2. Name a movie that you’ve seen multiple times in the theater.
Tommy (I was in college, it was $2)

3. Name an actor that would make you more inclined to see a movie.
Johnny Depp – anytime –anywhere

4. Name an actor that would make you less likely to see a movie.
So so many….Mel Gibson, Woody Allen (since he married his step-daughter) Nick Nolte, Kevin Costner

5. Name a movie that you can and do quote from.
Never Ending Story

6. Name a movie musical that you know all of the lyrics to all of the songs.
Another list….
Wizard of Oz
Grease
West Side Story
Bye Bye Birdie
Mary Poppins

7. Name a movie that you have been known to sing along with.
See #6.

8. Name a movie that you would recommend everyone see.
Sliding Doors, Unconditional Love, Life is Beautiful

9. Name a movie that you own.
I own so many….Unconditional Love.

10. Name an actor that launched his/her entertainment career in another medium but who has surprised you with his/her acting chops.
Eddie Murphy and Will Ferrell

11. Have you ever seen a movie in a drive-in? If so, what?
I’ve seen several because I worked at one of the last drive-in theatres in Southern California….One on One, Ode to Billie Jo, (I used to have it REALLY bad for Robbie Benson)

12. Ever made out in a movie?
Once. During The Sting. I should have watched the movie.

13. Name a movie that you keep meaning to see but just haven’t yet gotten around to it.
Dreamgirls

14. Ever walked out of a movie?
I walked out on Alien, because when the monster popped out of the guy’s stomach, I thought it was stupid.

15. Name a movie that made you cry in the theater.
I’m pretty sure I cried during ET, and I SOBBED after Life is Beautiful.

16. Popcorn?
Only if I’m feeling really flush…it’s ridiculously expensive.

17. How often do you go to the movies (as opposed to renting them or watching them at home)?
Rarely, I hate idiots who talk in the theatre, and I like pausing the DVD to pee.

18. What’s the last movie you saw in the theater?
Smokin’ Aces

19. What’s your favorite/preferred genre of movie?
Comedy, but there are so few good ones.

20. What’s the first movie you remember seeing in the theater?
Sound of Music

21. What movie do you wish you had never seen?
Room with a View. BOOOOOORRRRRIIIIINNNNNNGGGGG.
Any movie with Kevin Costner….is he dead yet?

22. What is the weirdest movie you enjoyed?
Momento

23. What is the scariest movie you’ve seen?
Lots of scary Japanese films where people get cut by Ninjas and ghosts.

24. What is the funniest movie you’ve seen?
I laughed a lot during Showtime. I love Robert DeNiro and Eddie Murphy in that movie.

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

2007-03-18T20:52:00.000-07:00

This is my second request. As we get closer to the first round of the alphabet, I need 26 words in English we will need to know in Hawaiian. Well, actually, only 25, Stennie has already submitted "Cocktail."

Your Hawaiian Word of the Week #19 (since last week you got three for the price of one....)

2007-03-18T20:43:00.000-07:00

This week's word is brought to you by the letter B" for

Bathtub kapu 'au'au

Wouldn't it be nice for a relaxing soak after a day on the beach???

Aloha

THIS IS MY 100TH POST!!! Did you miss me?

2007-03-11T09:59:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted since Feb 18?! Wow, time flies when you're having fun. Or flu. Or phlegm. Anyway, I'm better (almost) and figure all I need is a couple of days of good old Vitamin D from the source...

It's coming ladies, oh yes it is...

So today we have a veritable glut of vocabulary words...just because I'm not feeling well doesn't get us all off the hook for being able to communicate effectively as we travel...

Today's words are brought to you by the letters C, I, and Q. (Let's just see what we get after that random choice...)

cough kunu

inehinei yesterday

question ninau

So my charge to you dear readers is to come up with some English words you think we may need to know when we're on the island...suggestions????

Your Hawaiian Word of the Week #16

2007-02-18T12:55:00.001-08:00

You know, I know it’s a long way off until November, But I’m really starting to get excited about my trip!! So far, only one person (still) has made reservations, but I am hopeful a few more will show up for the visit.

Even though I am landing in Oahu, I may schedule a day (or two) trip to Maui) and DEFINITELY a helicopter trip around once.

This week’s word is brought to you by the letter :V”

Lua Pele -- Volcano

Never say never

2007-02-16T10:18:00.000-08:00

I love my Dish Network (sorry Stennie)

This week I have been recording all of the "Hawai'is Best" "Hawai'i on a Budget" and "Girl in Hawai'i" to study up for my trip. I hope ya'll have been saving your latte $$.

Your Hawaiian Word of the Week #15

2007-02-11T17:07:00.000-08:00

Well friends, as I enter into week three of this hacking lung wrenching cough/cold/throat thing, I look forward to warmer weather.

A good friend of mine is working on an academic paper, and wished out loud she had a quiet place to write where she wouldn’t be interrupted. The next day another friend called her and said she needed to house sit her little house ON THE BIG ISLAND OF HAWAII for two months, and did my friend know someone….short story, my friend is leaving on Feb 19 for 60 days!!

So now, my challenge is to you, my friends.

Say out loud, so the universe can hear you:
“I wish I could go to Hawaii with my friend Marla in November.”

I’m standing by the phone, waiting for your call.

Your vocabulary word of the week is brought to you by the letter “Y”, and the word is “Year.” As in Happy New Year to all my Chinese friends next week.

Happy New Year: Hau’oli Mahakiki Hou

Sing along with me.

What's next?

2007-02-04T11:11:00.000-08:00

I was actually in this show which closed last night, not that you would have known if from reading this article, because not only did they not mention me, they didn’t even refer to the short play I was in, which was called, by the way, “A Winter Family Christmas.” I played a schizophrenic mother. (Again, with the mother role…..) It was as well attended as it should have been…

This same week, the local “Take 5” printed a VERY flattering photo of yours truly, in character. The masses did not respond with a resounding vote of confidence. The fact that the entirety of the show was one hour and fifteen minutes, and that I was only on stage for four of those minutes made my energy expense minimal.

I have to admit I was not as supportive of the experience as I could have/should have been I really liked the people I worked with. They were good actors, very generous on stage and really nice and smart. I guess I'm just too set in my ways for this post-college theatre of the bazaare.

Your Hawaiian Word of the Week #14

2007-02-04T11:09:00.000-08:00

This week’s word is brought to you be the letter “g”, another unused letter in the Hawaiian language…The phrase of the week is

“Good morning” Aloha kakahi-aka

At least we'll use it!!

Learn it. Live it. For a week or so in November….

Your Hawaiian Word of the Week #13

2007-01-28T22:11:00.000-08:00

Just a quick one this week. The letter of the week is "P" even thought we have had a number of words start with that letter, this time it's for real!!

And so the word of the week is:

pili

1 To cling, stick, adhere, touch join, associate with, be with, clinging, sticking, close relationship E pili kaua let's be together
2 A grass formerly used for home thatch
3 To refer, concern, related, apply
4 Wager, Bet: to bet

Your Hawaiian Word of the Week #12

2007-01-21T22:32:00.000-08:00

This week's word is brought to you by the letter W

wai 'ona

intoxicating liquor

Or, what I intend to spend my 50th birthday drinking.

And water.

Your Hawaiian Word of the Week #11

2007-01-14T12:04:00.001-08:00

This week’s letter is brought to you by the letter “n” and the word of the day is

no’ono’o Thought, reflection, meditation, thinking: to think, reflect, to consider, as a case as law; thoughtful.

If you (or anyone) has been paying attention, you will know that my life and consciousness is colored by this trip to Hawaii I am planning….There are a couple of options for accommodations….hotels, condos, cabins.. All dependent upon the number of girlfriends who will accompany me, and so far, only one friend has bought her ticket….

So I wondered, does that mean only one other person will come with me? If so, that’s fine. I’ll actually end up with some time alone on the island, which would not be my preference, but would be interesting….

It’s something to think about anyway.

It's too late now...it's non-refundable

2007-01-08T18:51:00.000-08:00

DepartureFlight
NOV 02, 09:20 AM Seattle, WA
NOV 02, 01:15 PM Oahu - Honolulu

ReturnFlight
NOV 11, 02:40 PM Oahu - Honolulu
NOV 11, 10:15 PM Seattle, WA

OH MY GOD!!!! I did it! I pushed the “Pay Now” button and I AM GOING TO HAWAII!

I have never spent this kind of money on myself ($400) frivolously before. I feel sick.

Are you with me?

Your Hawaiian Word of the Week #10

2007-01-07T17:17:00.000-08:00

Happy new year! It was a fun NYE, we played games to ring in the new year, then, like an old married couple, went to bed. The kids stayed up, begged to get drunk so I fed them nasty wine…It will be a long time before they want to drink wine again.

This week is brought to you by the letter “m” which was overwhelmingly represented by:

Mahimahi. Now I have to tell you, all my life, I thought Mahimahi was shark. I just found out it’s DOLPHIN! EEEEEEWWWWWW! I’ll never eat it again. Poor Flipper!

Your Hawaiian Word of the Week #9

2006-12-30T10:52:00.000-08:00

Wow, I can't believe only 43 weeks before Hawaii!!!

This week is brought to you by the letter "t" which suffers from the same fate as the letter "r" So this week's word is TOGETHER (now everyone, say "aaawwww") which in Hawaiian is:

pū:This word has many meaninsg:
1. Large Triton conch shell or trumpet; wind instrument as horn, trumpet or cornet.
2. gun;
3 generic name for pumpkin or squash;
4; tree with cluster of several stalks like a banana tree;
5. together entirely 'O wa Pu (me too) THIS IS THE ONE WE ARE GOING WITH...
6; sluggish, inactive, quiet bored.

I guess it's all in your interpretation

So happy new year all, and may all your (good) dreams come true.

That's why they call it Beta

2006-12-23T08:17:00.000-08:00

I wonder if I'm not getting posts because I'm soo soo boring, or if because this new version of Blogger is so messed up that no one CAN post to me.

I just tried to post on someone else's account, and I kept getting redirected to Blogger hell. I could post on a different account however. Anyone else having problems? If so. you may have to actually e-mail me!! Ahhh, technology

Your Hawaiian Word of the Week #8

2006-12-23T07:59:00.000-08:00

Boy, I can't believe I'm already 8 weeks into my 50th year. And what a sucky year it's been so far. I've been cranky, irritable, and just plain unpleasant to be around. Hmmm. don't you want to hop on a plane with me now?

Your word of the week is brought to you by the letter "u". You may know that many a Hawaiian word starts with "u." I've even had to resort to using words that start with "u" because the letter of the week didn't play well with others....so choosing today's word was a bit tricky. But I succeeded.

uwiki

To glimmer, especially of a light through hole, crack or narrow opening to twinkle faintly. You know, like the light at the end of the tunnel.

I haven't seen it yet, but I'm hoping to really soon.

Your Hawaiian Word of the Week #7

2006-12-17T21:09:00.000-08:00

Today's word is brought to you by the letter "L" which stands for Latke...of course, I am unaware of the number of Hawaiians who celebrate Hanukkah. But I bet they eat Potatoes anyway, and the word for Potatoes is :

uala-kahiki

Hey, I think one night of my birthday week we'll have a latke feast!!!

C'happy C'hanukah

2006-12-17T13:33:00.000-08:00

Add together:
78 adults
+ 24 teenagers
+ 12 children under 11
+ general pot lucky dishes
subtract
- 30 lbs of shredded potatoes
- 10 lbs of onions
- 4 dozen eggs.
- 1 qt oil
- 2 18 lb turkeys
- 2 noodle kugle casseroles

And your total will be:

NO LEFTOVERS

But a good time was had by all. My house never looked so festive, thank G-d for gay decorators!!!

The usual suspect were there, and some were suspiciously absent.

This was our 9th party for the lesser Jewish holiday, and it's HUGE!!! We put a lot of work in, and wouldn't do it any other way. We have so much fun introducing (and re-introducing) our non-Jewish friends to the foods and the story, and this year Little Brother did an impromptu encore performance of the Jive-talkin' Chanukah Story which I interpreted. Next year, we'll get in on tape, I promise. I think he and his homeys are planning a rap-underscore to go with--

CD Mix #3

2006-12-13T08:16:00.001-08:00

I have to tell you that I have a Love=Hate relationship with these....I love getting everyone's collection. I hate trying to fit my favorite music on to a 60 minute CD. I know, I know, I can hear you saying...but if you convert it to MP3, you can fit more music. Well unless you get your little self over to my house when I am loading all these songs on....shutty.

My mixes went out in the mail on Monday, as ordered. I'm looking forward to my first receipts today....

1. First song (on the first side) of the first album you ever purchased. A Hard Day’s Night. Thank God someone bought me the anthology a few years ago….
2. Holiday song. Hanukah Blessings – Barenaked ladies,
3. Geographical location song—Rocking Chair in Hawaii George Harrison (need you ask why?)
4. A medley. Gospel Medley – Destiny’s Child Hey, it was in my collection…the harmonies are nice, even though the words kind of leave me, um empty…If only the synagogue had some well dressed lovely young women to sing….
5. A dance song— Dance of the Latkes Queens Klezmer Nutcracker…’tis the season!!
6. Song with a woman’s name in the title. Veronica --- Elvis Costello
7. Song you would like to have played at your funeral. More than my Share – Crystal Spring and Carter
8. Song by your friend’s band. Love is A Round – Tracy Spring (I’m so honored to be her friend.)
9. A drinking song. What would you say? -- Dave Matthews Band. I don’t know why. It makes me thirsty
10. Kickass cover song - with a twist! Boy, this was hard!!! I finally found “black Magic Woman” -- Fleetwood Mac. Who knew??
11. Song with a man’s name in the title. Tristan’s Moon – David Weiss (another friend)
12. B-side. Better Days – Men Without Pants
13. Song about the weather Here comes the Sun – The Beatles…as if Sun is Weather to you in SoCal…it’s weather here….
14. Musical question—Did I shave my legs for this? -- Deana Carter
15. Your Cheatin’ Heart—Don’t Do Me Like That --Tom Petty
16. Song about violence and/or death. Nicaragua – Motherlode. I think Flipsycab will like this one…
17. Song you like by a band or artist you normally can’t stand. Wake me When September Ends – Green Day
18. Song you like to play air guitar to. I had to have at least ONE Billy Joel song "Only the good die Young"…and I don’t play air guitar, I play air piano….
19. Amnesty Song—I am Not My Hair --India Arie
20. Last song (on the last side) of your favorite album of all time. OK, this just pissed me off. Like I could pick my “favorite” You mean my favorite today, right? This is like picking my favorite child…(but, as an aside, different from picking my favorite book, which would be way way easier…) So my favorite today, at this moment is my Barenaked Holidays, as they are leading me in. The last song on the album, ironically enough, is the last song of the year. And I hope you all have good, healthy and happy ones yourselves.

Your Hawaiian Word of the Week #6

2006-12-09T14:48:00.000-08:00

Today’s word is brought to you by the letter J. I have to admit this was a difficult morning to choose for a variety of reasons…but here it is.

Huaka’I Journey, to travel. At this rate, I may end up in Hawaii by myself….

I'm too cranky to be around. Maybe I'll feel better after this week.

Your Hawaiian Word of the Week #5

2006-12-02T09:14:00.000-08:00

This week is brought to you by the letter “k” which is, by far, the largest section of my Hawaiian dictionary. Today’s word is :

Kiko’ olā 1. sarcastic, rude, impertinent. 2. haphazard, here, there and everywhere; entangled or awkward shape, as a package.

OK. So these two definitions really don’t connect in my mind, but I’ll take it. Sort of the way this whole “project” has been going. This week my brother told my sister that he wants to go to Hawaii with “us.” Did I not make it clear, NO BOYS ALLOWED! It’s NOT that I don’t like boys, I just don’t want mine (or yours) to be in Hawaii with us.

So the big dumpage of snow is almost at a tolerable level today, and good thing too, I have along drive ahead of me on Monday for to see my gal Mel.

There was NO SCHOOL all week, we’ve got a bit of cabin fever going here too. But the BEST part of the snow was to really experience how well my little car Starla the Subaru handles in the snow and ice. I feel like a walking (or driving) commercial, but I’m good with that.

I’m working on my CD mix now, don’t bug me….

Your Hawaiian Word of the Week #4

2006-11-25T10:52:00.000-08:00

This week is brought to you by the letter "E"

'ehia - meaning How many (Usually in questions)_: How much, what price.

One of the two main questions that have been asked most often about the pending trek to Hawaii. The other being exactly where are we going. Well, my friends, and you know who you are, I don't have a definitive answer for you yet, but current checking on the web indicates the best time to reserve for next November will be in January or February. Of course, that doesn't mean there might not be deals as the date comes closer, but I will most likely book then and so I will spew forth here. From Seattle to Hawaii runs from 400-600, and I expect that to drop $200 during a good sale period. Also, the house I am planning to rent is about $1200 for the week, and so to split that between 10 of us is way way cheap, no? Save lots of pennies for the bar...

Your Hawaiian Word of the Week #3

2006-11-18T10:02:00.000-08:00

I need to come up with a more systematic way of doing this, I keep pulling letters out of my head. I actually planned to pull scrabble letters out of a bag.

Today is brought to you by the letter "s" and "S" stands for Sun, or Sunny, which is what I'm hoping it will be a year from now in Hawaii...

And your word of the day is :

ho'ola meaning Sunny.

In in the Belly, it is cold and intermittently rainy. I'm going to play in the garden for an hour....Maybe I'll do before and after pictures to make myself feel productive.

Your Hawaiian Word of the Week #2

2006-11-10T00:11:00.000-08:00

AND A LESSON OF THE DAY (UNLESS, YOU, UNLIKE MYSELF, ALREADY KNEW THIS....)

My plan, as this is week 2 of 52 weeks of Hawaiian words, was to pull a random letter, A-Z, and then choose from my Pocket Hawaiian Dictionary another random, yet appropriate word.
Well, today I learned that Hawaiian's don't start all of their words with each of the 26 letters of the alphabet I grew up with...
So to be fair, the letter of the week was R, and because I could not find any Hawaiian words that started with R (at least not in this limited little book of mine that I inherited when I moved my mother from my parent's home) I chose a English word that starts with R.

and so the word of the week is

kukaweke (Raincoat) because, well, I live in Washington and it's November...

BTW, All loan words from Enshish sometimes spelled with initial r- are (supposedly) entered unter l- in this dictionary. (Laincoat was not in the book...)

Your Hawaiian Word of the Week #1

2006-11-04T06:07:00.000-08:00

52 weeks until I turn 50, and I'll be in Hawaii at this time next year. (Watch your mail box for your invitation....)

I decided it's important to blend in, so on Saturdays until "we" go, we'll be beefing up our Hawaiian vocabulary. This week's word is...

<>HO OKAMAHAO (ho'o ka ma ha'o) To be or do something wonderful.

And to share it with my girls...

So much to be grateful for and happy about...

2006-11-01T20:10:00.000-08:00

Here is big sister as she gets ready for her Halloween event....

And Baby Brother CRACKED ME UP He came up with this on his own....Moyle Represent...

Sick, Sick, Sick

2006-10-22T20:32:00.000-07:00

Sick 1
I have a cold. Not a regular, I'm stuffed in the head cold, by my shoulders, head and feet are achy cold. And when I cough, it sounds raspy, like I'm coughing up a lung, but there is nothing to rattle, so it just rips the inside of my throat like a motorcycle starter. No matter how much water and tea I drink, the cough and cold remain, and I just have to pee all the time.

Sick 2
I keep seeing broken and smashed pumpkins on the street, and it upsets me and makes me angry and pisses me off that some dumb shit, in the name of fun, would take the pumpkin carved by a child with a parent or loved one and just blithely break it into bits on the street. These people should be stopped.

Sick 3
Today, Meg Tilly, famous screen actress and accomplished writer, came to BUF to speak about her new book. Now let me just say, that Meg is in NO WAY sick, as a matter of fact, she is a very very healthy woman. But her villain, is one sick bastard. Reading the book was overwhelming at times, but the resilience of Gemma (the title character) was heartening and hopeful. I suggest you read this book, with the warning that the language is very rough and graphic...Big sister wants to read it...I said yes...I was very lucky growing up that my exposure to physical or emotional abuse was limited, and my awareness of sexual abuse, was non-existent. Meg was gracious and lovely, and I was honored to welcome her to B'ham. I have evidence that I really met her too....
Here is the link to the YouTube site where she was interviewed on the View by Rosie (who did an amazing job of comforting and caring for Meg as she got emotional when she told her story..) She was so real when she spoke on Sunday, what an amazing woman!!

Either everyone is laughing behind my back, or people are just plain stupid

2006-10-16T18:32:00.000-07:00

I just got home after a very long day, I got to work at 8:45, went to the post office, the bank, visited a friend at her store, went and spent some time with a client, hung out at the high school as I am costuming "west side story" at BHS, it's now 6:28 and after a long long day, I arrive home and my first husband tells me that my sweater is inside out...tag in the back...OH MY G-D I can't believe no one told me! Not my computer guy, my client (although she is blind) my friends, the students, my daughter....

Now you have to realized that I am the kind of person who fixes tags hanging out of shirts of strangers, tells friends and acquaintances if there is a booger hanging and wipes my teeth to impart the silent message of "you had salad today, didn't you?"

WTF???

I am consoling myself with the thought that everyone I saw, adult and adolescent, thought I was making a fashion statement, something other than "I was half asleep when I got dressed."

Oy.

TGIF

2006-10-06T16:46:00.000-07:00

Friday Meme - Five quotes
Pretty simple instructions. Go here and look through random quotes until you find five that you think reflect who you are or what you believe. Just keep hitting the “New Random Quotations” button until you get five that you like.
Here are my five:

Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars... Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.
Martin Luther King Jr. (1929 - 1968)

This is our purpose: to make as meaningful as possible this life that has been bestowed upon us; to live in such a way that we may be proud of ourselves; to act in such a way that some part of us lives on.
Oswald Spengler (1880 - 1936)

Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves.
Carl Jung (1875 - 1961)

You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you. Dale Carnegie

I have a problem about being nearly sixty: I keep waking up in the morning and thinking I'm thirty-one.
Elizabeth Janeway, Between Myth and Morning, 1974

Happie Birthday Stennie

2006-09-30T11:21:00.000-07:00

Just so you know,, I am only doing this as a birthday gift to Stennie, I should be cleaning my house because my mother is coming from Hell, USA, AKA Arizona, via Burbank…what a trip that must be! Here’s what you do….Go to Wikipedia, and in the search box, type the month and day of your birth (not the year, though). From the search results that come up, post five events, five births and five deaths from that day.

OK, so I suck at following rules….since I couldn’t narrow it down, and since I am blessed with sharing my birthday with many many election days, I take artistic license.

Sue me.

Events
• 1852 - Count Camillo Benso di Cavour became the prime minister of Piedmont-Sardinia, which soon expanded to become Italy. I don’t know why this is important to me, I guess because I used to live in Piedmont CA…
• 1861 - The University of Washington opens in Seattle, Washington as the Territorial University Go Huskies!!
• 1884 - U.S. presidential election, 1884: Democrat Grover Cleveland defeats Republican James G. Blaine in a very close contest to win the first of his two non-consecutive terms. Mentioned in “You Can’t Take it With you….as if Muzzie looks old enough in 1935 to have voted in 1884….
• 1918 - World War I: Austria-Hungary surrenders to Italy. Thus moving my great grandparents to America.
• 1921 - Japanese Prime Minister Hara Takashi assassinated in Tokyo. Is this why I love sushi?
• 1924 - Nellie Tayloe Ross of Wyoming elected as the first woman governor in the United States. You go girl!
• 1948 - T. S. Eliot wins the Nobel Prize in Literature. Probably for writing that silly cat poem.
• 1970 - Genie, a 13 year old feral child was found in Los Angeles, California having been locked in her bedroom for most of her life. Had a powerful effect on my view of the world an other people, I learned I really did not have bad parents.
• 1980 - U.S. presidential election, 1980: Republican challenger Ronald Reagan defeats incumbent Democrat Jimmy Carter by a wide margin. One of the worst birthday gifts I ever received, until 1995…
• 1995 - Israeli prime minister Yitzhak Rabin assassinated by an extreme right-wing Israeli.
[
Births
• 1879 - Will Rogers, American humorist (d. 1935) I like to think I have a little connection due to birth date.
• 1916 - Walter Cronkite, American news broadcaster ditto.
• 1918 - Art Carney, American actor (d. 2003) double ditto
• 1961 - Kathy Griffin, American comedienne. Love Her. I have 2nd row seats to see her in January…do you think I should tell her? Do you think I wouldn’t?
• 1969 - Sean Jean "Diddy" Combs, American rapper Oh yeah, that’s comforting..

Holidays
• Roman Catholic Saints - Feast day of the following Roman Catholic saints:
o Saint Charles Borromeo I wonder if this is why I feel the urge to volunteer
o St. Emeric He died in a hunting accident at a very young age, was canonized, and many miracles were reported at the site of his tomb. Why is that important..Amerigo Vespuci was named after him. There is the basis for Catholicism to rule the USA.

I'm so proud II

2006-09-25T16:12:00.000-07:00

My 70-something year old undle submitted this to the OpEd section of the New York Times...just in case you don't catch it there...

Dear Mr. President:

It must feel like the world is closing in on you from all sides. Pakistan, Iraq, Iran, Korea are rising up as clear and visible threats and adversaries. Your administration is under constant fire; Rumsfeld, Cheney, scandals along with claims of mismanagement and the protest against the war from former US Military Generals and Administration Officials. There is a deafening out cry throughout the Western World against what they perceive as US aggression. A “brush fire” exists in every direction that you turn. And, you were recently described as a “Devil” during a speech in the United Nations. You are the butt of jokes by mid night comedians. I would almost feel sorry for you if it weren’t for the fact that it is self inflicted.

Although 9/11 was a defining moment in US history for the struggle against terrorism you lost site of the enemy. You had it right when you went into Pakistan for Osama Bin Laden and then it all went to hell. Now you attempt to sell the Iraq war by creating fear and the increased threat of terrorism which your own actions have indeed created. They sold Vietnam with the Domino Theory and we lost. You are selling this conflict with fallacious arguments as you have done very little to protect our homeland; our ports, our refineries, our nuclear plants, our air cargo; while spending trillions in Iraq.

I am a proud American who served his country as an officer in the United States Army. I cry now for every young person, Iraqi and American, who dies in this unnecessary war. I, along with millions of other patriotic Americans, seek to renew our pride in our country. Only our leadership can do that.

Respectfully submitted,

Joel S.
Plainfield, IL

Family, aaahhhhh!

OMG I was speechless!!

2006-09-23T22:50:00.000-07:00

Tonight was the Bentleys, when the BTG congratulates itself, and even though deep down in my heart I know these awards are somewhat arbitrary and political and don't mean that any one show was better or worse than another...it sure felt good to hear my show called out seven times....we received awards in the following categories:

Actor
Actress
Vocal Performance Male
Outstanding Entertainer
Set Design
Stage Manager
Director
Show

I got up and thanked my directing mentors, T and A, (I dragged T on stage with me) and when they called out "Mattress" for best show, I could not even speak...I know, shocking huh?

I am humbled.

Thank you universe, for my 15 minutes. I truly appreciate every one of them

I'm so proud

2006-09-20T17:36:00.001-07:00

Little brother and his best friend find productive things to do with their time as they ready themselves for school.

Bye Bye Bye

2006-09-18T15:51:00.000-07:00

The women's group just won't be the same without Krizzer, who moved from the Ham to study to clean teeth and take pictures of cavities down in the Emerald City. as your friend with benefits, I expect at least one free cleaning...hee hee...here are some pics of our "last" night at the c-clamp...no tears now...

The girls one last time....

Look who showed up for one drink with us!!

And the cute boy who loves and supports her through it all....

A DAY LATE AND A DOLLAR SHORT

2006-09-11T23:43:00.000-07:00

So of course I procrastinated (again) but truly, I had been thinking about this list quite a bit. I wrote down the titles while on a road trip to Pasco this past Saturday with G and Z…I think you’ll be quite pleased. Even if it does go out in the mail on the 12th....Stennie thought this up. Or at least she set it up. Or at the very minimum, she posted it up, and I bit.

I have already received and listened to three of the five I received. I hope those of you who played recieved my copies...

Here are my choices for to CD 2.

1. A song you like to wake up to. “Here Comes The Sun”-The Beatles It’s also the first song I play when I re-set up my stereo, wherever I live.

2. An "earworm" -- a song that gets stuck in your head all day if you hear it once. “Take it to the Limit” The Eagles….this song gets stuck ALL THE TIME aaarrrrgghh!!

3. A one-hit wonder. “Baby Don’t Hurt Me” Haddaway…Little Brother and his best buddy are planning a dance for the talent show this spring. They have already started the video. I promise to load it as soon as I figure out how.

4. A song that makes you laugh. “I Hate You All” – Get Set Go. Z turned me on to this song. It’s my life, at times…

5. A traveling song. This can be a song about traveling, or a song you like to listen to while traveling. “On the Road Again” Willie Nelson.

6. A song you like that your mother would also like. “Up and Down Lullaby” Karen Reitz…I know this is kind of unfair. Karen is a neighbor of mine, and I actually gave my mom a copy of her CD and I know she likes it.

7. Your guilty pleasure song. “Sailing” Christopher Cross

8. A song you like to play when you're pissed off. Either to cheer yourself up, or to let off some steam. “Tristan’s Moon” David Weiss…it calms me.

9. An instrumental song. “Lady Grinning Soul” Lucia Micarelli

10. Song from your favorite music video. “Thriller” M. Jackson. I don’t like this guy as a person but I do love this video.

11. A song from TV. It could be a theme song, or from a TV soundtrack, or even a commercial. . OK, this story is amazing….we’re driving, playing this pick your favorite song game, and I ask G to name a song from TV. After about a minute, he’s sort of hitting his temple saying, “oh what is that song?”. And I said, “You know what I love?” and I started singing the Theme from the Courtship of Eddie’s Father this song. AND YES, THAT WAS THE SONG IN HIS HEAD TOO!!! That’s one of the many reasons we are best friends. However, I could not figure out how to transfer the song from my IPAQ to the CD, so I took my handy-dandy cartoon CD, and …so here you have the theme song from my favorite cartoon of all time the Flintstones

12. A kick-ass cover song. “Every little thing he does is Magic” Shawn Colvin

13. A song you've "played out." I would say “Unwritten” but it was my favorite song on my first CD compilation. The radio stations have played it to death. I’d sell the CD, but there are other songs on it that I like. I’m not telling anyone though; they’ll ruin it for me. So the song for this selection is “More than a Feeling” Boston

14. Song about one of the Seven Deadly Sins (Anger, Greed, Lust, Envy, Sloth, Gluttony, Pride). “That wasn’t Me” Todd Thibaud

15. A song that makes you cry. “Tears in Heaven” Eric Clapton. This came out right after Ken’s neice was killed in a car accident. It was horrible.

16. A song about a real person. “Goodbye Earl” Dixie Chicks (with a disclaimer that they never killed anyone)

17. A song about music. “Piano Man” Billy Joel I have to have one BJ song on every CD, right?

18. Song with a one-word title. “Single” Natasha Bedingfield I know that I am tempting fate here…but I do like the message. I suggest you gift it to all the adolescent women in your lives

19. A song you like that your father would also like. “Prayer for Peace” The Yellowjackets

20. Your first favorite song. “At Seventeen” Janis Ian

Funny Talk for a Friday

2006-09-08T17:12:00.000-07:00

I don’t know how you ladies do that….don’t you work for a living….OK, so both Stennie and Flipsy got it done before I even got home at 5pm…..I, however, am continuing to procrastinate from working on my CD, which I haven’t worked on since I’ve been in rehearsal. I am nothing if I’ m not full of excuses…anyway, enjoy.
Play if you feel it.
1. Soda, Soft Drink, Soda Pop or Tonic – Soda.
2. Hoagie, Sub, Po Boy, Grinder – Poor boy…I didn’t even know what a grinder was until I was in college
3. Goobers or Peanuts – Peanuts
4. Candlepin or Ten-Pin bowling – bowling.
5. Dungarees or Blue Jeans – I have to admit I called them dungarees when I was a kid. Now they are jeans. Sometimes they are blue
6. Shopping Carriage, Shopping Cart, Buggy – Shopping cart.
7. Frappe or Milkshake – Milkshake
8. Jimmies or Sprinkles – Sprinkles.
9. Hot Dog or Frankfurter – Hot dog
10. Relative or Kin – relative.
11. Soda Crackers or Saltines – saltines.
12. Rubbish, Trash or Garbage – As my mom says…gawbage
13. Rotary or Traffic Circle – Roundabout. (go Flips!)
14. Barbeque, Grill Out or Cookout – BBQ
15. Funnel Cake or Fried Dough - Funnel cake. I don’t really know what it is…I just know what they call it in Lynden
16. Flapjacks, pancakes, or griddlecakes – Pancakes.
17. Bedroom Suite or Bedroom Suit – The Suite is the group of rooms, the suit would be the fancy schmancy negligees…
18. Bundles, Sacks or Bags (of Groceries) – They are all bags
19. Front Entrance or Front Stoop – Porch, if you mean in front of the front door.
20. Frying Pan or Skillet – Frying pan. Multiple sizes.

OMG, am I too old for this!?

2006-08-01T18:32:00.001-07:00

I auditioned and got the part of Penny in "You Can't Take it With You" at the BTG....I sure hope I can memorize all those lines...or, I guess I could just speak the "gist" of it like one of my "favorite" local actors.

So, because the director (my fabulous friend-and no, that's not why she cast me...at least that's what she said) is setting the show in the 30's, I cut my hair off this afternoon, and now it's all curly and cute....

Come see the show and come see me!!

Third time's the charm

2006-07-01T21:17:00.000-07:00

Stennie and Krizzer have been tempting me with many memes, but this one based upon language and translation intrigued me...this is how it works....

Randomly pick a song from your music library.
- Find the lyrics for the first four verses/chorus
- Go to Google translation and translate the lyrics from English into German.
- Take the new German lyrics and translate them into French.
- Take the new French lyrics and translate them into English.
- Post the NEW English lyrics and have people guess the original song

Here's how mine turned out:

Here, if the sun comes, the sun comes here,
and I say that it is precisely
The small favourite, was during a long winter only cold
The small favourite, believes it like years, since it was here
Here, if the sun comes, the sun comes here
and I say that it is precisely
Small favourite, smile which decreases with the faces
The small favourite, seems it like years, since it was here
Here, if the sun comes, the sun comes here
and I say that it is precisely

This should be easy....Guess the song...and then it's your turn.

Happy Happy Birthday Baby!!

2006-06-05T20:07:00.000-07:00

Wish a Happy Birthday to Krizzer...my friend, you are more like a fine wine every day.

Love

Q

Cranky is as Cranky Does II

2006-05-30T17:33:00.000-07:00

I'm in a mood (again apparently) and the weather and my body are not getting along these days. I don't have anything else to say except that I feel fat and bloated and I have a raging humidity headache.

I don't know how anyone survives in the east coast.

Mother's Day

2006-05-14T08:55:00.000-07:00

Today First Husband, Big Sister and Baby brother pulled out all the stops and for Mother's Day, they bought me an IPOD and ITunes music credit!!! This as a "reward" "incentive" because I have been going to the gym every day for the past four weeks.

And as if that weren't enough, First Husband loaded my mix CD on the IPOD! Needless to say, I was in tears... They scored MEGA points this morning...

Sometimes, the surprise is overwhelming...

Sevens

2006-04-25T16:27:00.000-07:00

Seven Things To Do Before I Die
1. Go to Hawaii
2. Stay at a healthy weight for longer than three months.
3. Ride my bike around the Skagit tulip festival
4. Go to Ghana (?)
5. Write a book
6. Let my hair go to its natural color
7. Unpack my china and crystal

Seven Things I Cannot Do
1. Climb a rope
2. Kayak
3. Snow Ski without face plowing
4. Sing with a vibrato
5. Sign when I am nervous
6. Program in HTML (I'm faking it right now...)
7. Sleep through the night

Seven Things That Attract Me to... (a Man)
1. Sense of humor
2. quick wit
3. eyes
4. smile/teeth
5. smell (only good smells and in proportions not to offend, please)
6. voice
7. build

Seven Things I Say, Perhaps Excessively
1. Cool
2. Literally
3. Really
4. No Way
5. Holy Shit
6. Good Grief
7. Fuck

Seven Good Books
1. Ladder of Years
2. Memoirs of a Geisha
3. Good In Bed
4. Gracedland
5. Wuthering Heights
6. It
7. Insomnia

Seven Good Movies
1. Ishtar (duh)
2. Sliding Doors
3. Connie and Carla
4. Unconditional Love
5. Three faces of Eve
6. Sylvia
7. The Shining

Seven Blogs To Tag
They’ve all been tagged already…

Pure Nerd

2006-04-25T16:10:00.000-07:00

I'm not so sure this is a good thing...

65 % Nerd, 30% Geek, 30% Dork

For The Record:

A Nerd is someone who is passionate about learning/being smart/academia.
A Geek is someone who is passionate about some particular area or subject, often an obscure or difficult one.
A Dork is someone who has difficulty with common social expectations/interactions.
You scored better than half in Nerd, earning you the title of: Pure Nerd.

The times, they are a-changing. It used to be that being exceptionally smart led to being unpopular, which would ultimately lead to picking up all of the traits and tendences associated with the "dork." No-longer. Being smart isn't as socially crippling as it once was, and even more so as you get older: eventually being a Pure Nerd will likely be replaced with the following label: Purely Successful.

THE NERD? GEEK? OR DORK? TEST

BOAT Festival

2006-04-20T19:42:00.000-07:00

I don't know why/how this happened to me again, but I wrote a one-act for the local One Act Theatre festival which starts on Monday. We (of course) are ready in spite of minimal rehearsals, and in spite of the fact that this play was supposed to have been a result of a series of meetings over the course of 4 weeks, with survivors of loss, which never happened. Instead, I met individually with moms who lost children, moms of young children who lost husbands and my own personal experience of losing a childhood friend. The play touches on losses due to cancer, the pipeline explosion, and random accidents. My favorite part is that I incorporate the positive power of MySpace, as the kids use their blogs to tell their personal stories.

(Just an aside to this, when I log out of Blogspot, I sometimes watch the Blogs scroll as they are updated. Last week, I happened upon a blog of a family who are still reeling from the suicide of their 20 year old daughter/sister/cousin/aunt the year before. And they all react differently. Just like in the play. Coincidence? I think not.)

All in all, "Good Grief" is not a slap-happy show, but I expect it to be powerful. Another one of my "Weepy Shows" I know, but I feel that teen grief is an issue that is swept under the carpet because no one wants to deal, and if they do, they don't know how.

I have a great cast of nine males and females, ages 14-65. It's good to work with talented friends, and equally talented actors I have never met before.

I just found out a non-profit group in town is finally having a workshop to talk about this issue. I tried to get my old place of employment to do a group on grief last fall, and my supervisor said to "wait." OK, I'm done waiting now....

I'm inviting theatre and school district acquaintances to come and see the show, with the hope that they will invite us to tour at their school. Of course, I'm expecting this will prompt lots of desire for a grief group, and I'm hoping the void is filled quickly, before someone lives to regret their procrastination....

Stupid people happen in threes (and groups thereof)

2006-04-18T19:11:00.000-07:00

Today was apparently Stupid People Day. It wasn't on my calendar, not on the front page of Google where I learn that most days are to be celebrated. I guess no one would want to acknowledge/celebrate being stupid. Unless of course, they covet the opportunity to be listed in the Darwin book.

First on the Stupid People List (SPL) was "Moron Guy" on Lakeway in the oncoming car who decided that the lane I was driving in was his left-turn lane. (BTW and FYI, if you are not from here, there are no turn lanes on Lakeway. You just block traffic if you need to turn left.) And when he saw me, he didn't move back to his lane. And yes, I am alive, I was lucky to not be Stupid today.

Second entry actually consisted of three guys who, when they saw me turning into the driveway at the bank, RAN into the driveway, in front of my car, and then WALKED across the driveway. I wondered if I was being Punk'd.

Finally, just a few moments ago, not to single out stupid men, two girls were standing on the high school side of Cornwall, no-where near an intersection. They watched me as I drove towards them, for a moment, and decided, just as my car reached them, to step into the street to cross. I would have understood if their destination was a drive-through/walk-up coffee stand across the street, but no. They were just Stupid.

Stupid People Day, in conjunction with the Centennial of the SF Quake "the big one" filled my day with agitation. I'm glad to be home.

Let's go to the movies!

2006-04-06T16:54:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Jellybean for making this up. Just when I thought my brain could go on vacations, she makes me wrack it again. And to Krizzer, Stennie and Flipsycab, who love some of the same movies I do. BTW, I hate going to the movies now. I'd rather wait until the Academy Awards have been nominated and presented, rather than listen to some dork behind me ruin the movie because he read something in the newspaper about the scene we are watching, or, OMG, can I run over and get all Naomi Campbell on the guy who lets his phone ring three times before he answers it and then CARRIES ON A CONVERSATION!!! Stay home. If you don't, I will.

1) Movie that you can watch over and over “Connie and Carla” My latest guilty pleasure. For an older movie, it would have to be “Ghostbusters” since I have seen it about 10 times.

2) Movie that you liked more than you expected to “Fight Club”

3) Movie that you liked more than it deserved “Ishtar”

4) Movie that you wanted to like but couldn't “American Beauty”

5) Movie that you were excited to see when they first came out, but never saw There were two…”Finding Nemo” and “Toy Story 2” I know, my kids have seen them a million times.

6) Movie you love but can't watch “Monster’s Ball”

7) Movie that you liked when you were 5-8 that you still like “Bye Bye Birdie” (see, I’m really old!)

8) Movie that you liked when you were 12-15 that you still like “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid”

9) First movie you saw in the theatre without your parents “Oliver”

10) First movie you saw on a date “The Sting”

11) Favorite literary adaptation “Pride and Prejudice” I can’t help it. I actually enjoyed it.

12) Favorite TV adaptation. It would have to be one of the Trek movies, probably the one that was supposed to be in San Francisco, but, if you know The City, then you know that it is IMPOSSIBLE to get from one place to another the way they did as quickly as they did, AND that you can’t see the golden gate bridge when you are walking by golden gate park. PUUULLLEEAZE!

13) Favorite movie from a genre you don't usually like “Spaceballs” But I LOVE LOVE LOVE Rick Moranis.

14) Favorite obscure movie
The Girl in the Café. I saw this by accident when on a weekend away with cable TV

15) Movie you watch when you're home sick [ed - this is when you're taking a sick day, not when hankering for home]
Unconditional Love

16) Movie you wouldn't want to watch with your parents Pretty much anything rated R. My mom makes faces.

17-20) Four favorite movies you haven't already mentioned
17 Master of Disguise (so clean, so funny)
18 Finding Neverland (so romantic)
19 Don Juan DeMarco (again, I have my Johnny Depp issues)
20 Mystery Men (do not watch this while you are eating.)

No Comment

2006-03-31T17:48:00.000-08:00

Well, I have been feeling kind of paranoid and neglected lately, checking to see if anyone even CARES if I show up here. Thank goodness for Krizzer who told me I had a comment setting issue. I scrolled when I should have clicked. I look foward to you (someone) letting me know you noticed, or really, what point is there....

Anyway, tomorrow is April 1, April Fool's Day, QOATIP's mom Bday. Toast her with something sugar free!

Ah, hypocrisy in the Belly

2006-03-29T16:51:00.000-08:00

Today I was driving between the center of town and the mall area, just at the freeway, when I saw the CUTEST little car driving next to me. It really looked like it had been smooshed between books the size of RVs. I am guessing it probably gets about a million miles per gallon.

I was jealous. Here I am, pretending to be concerned about the environment, recycling paper, bottles, cans, walking when my ankle doesn't complain, yet my car still guzzles more than I would have liked.

So I drove, feeling bad about all the pollution I throw up into the environment, and then, I looked over at Ms. Smoosh, and I see she is SMOKING in her car. Ok, I say to myself, so she can stink up her cute car if she wants, but NOOOO, she has the window rolled down just enough so that the stench is all over the road...

So much for intelligent life on earth...

Jinx

2006-03-27T08:20:00.000-08:00

A new feature of this blog will be Words Of Wisdom For The Day.

After ALL THAT taking care of everyone and swearing I would not get sick, and waking up with a headache everyday since Thursday (which I had attributed to bad sleep) I ended up with the Mother of all Migranes on Sunday, and had to practice my Lamaze breathing to keep myself from puking for HOURS!!! If you didn't know before, I would rather break an ankle than throw up. Ask anyone who knew me when I was pregnant. (I should have spent half my time for the first 4 months in the bathroom, but I just breathed.)

Anyway, I laid in bed for hours, breathing, running to the bathroom only once, close to defeated, but successful in my attempt to hold my cookies. I know what you are saying. QOATIP, don't you think you would have felt better if you had just gotten it out of your system? Well, perhaps, but still, I have a record to break. Besides, the whole last season of "Friends" was on, and I was able to catch up on pop culture.

When I was in my younger days, I only got sick from drinking once, (well, maybe twice, I can't really remember) But I do remember that I HATED throwing up. So I made a pact with myself way back then, to never throw up again. At least if I could help it.

So I feel better today, and was able to eat dinner (chicken and veges) last night. No cream sauces for while.....

So my WOWFTD: Never say never, but say, Not if I can help it...

Broken Ankle Follow up

2006-03-23T19:51:00.000-08:00

It's been five months since I broke my ankle, and it was still giving me trouble. After my "Big Scary surgery" over a year ago, I was feeling pretty good. Then, that fateful afternoon this past October, when my ankle decided to literally "split" my back was basically toast again. But not half as bad as it was prior to surgery, so I'm still way way better than I was...

So since mid-February, I have been doing physical therapy and massage. It's pretty amazing to have my insurance company spring for a massage and all it costs me is $10. I have to say that there are times that insurance is truly a bonus.

And today, I was walking and I had no shooting pain in my left foot. Life is good.

Festering Diseases and Other Joys of Motherhood

2006-03-19T15:56:00.000-08:00

I am to be congratulated and awarded some kind of medal for dealing with an achy daughter, acid reflux hubby and barfy little boy AND YET finishing my writing project and by all accounts, it's a week early. So now I can focus on my next creative project...umm, hmmm, I guess casting and directing it. We'll go up on April 24...But I digress from the germs that circulate in my home, from one to another. I refuse to succumb, I have too much to do to get sick, and besides, who would take care of me? (waa waa waa, I know. I have no cause to complain. At least I have someone living under the same roof to remind me I'm out of bread.)

So watch this space, I owe you one more rant before the end of the month.

My CD mix

2006-03-11T17:51:00.000-08:00

A few weeks back, I was challenged to make a CD of songs that fit into 25 topic/categories. My greater challenge was fitting 25 songs onto one CD..which I could not do so I only had 19 different songs. Sorry. I'm a technoloser. Here is my list. If you haven't been challenged yet, take this on.

1. A favorite political track. "Daughters of Feminists" My friend Marie sang this at a BBQ years ago, while Zoe was still into Barbies (Much to my chagrin) I had to travel all the way to Canada to buy it.

2. One of those tracks that will make you tap your feet no matter what. 'All I wanna Do' OK, so it makes me drive fast and wish I had a convertible in LA too, but I still really like it.

3. The song you'd use to tell someone you love them. "Fallin" I can't remember the first time I heard this song, maybe on TV years ago, but it made me order it on line..I never do that.

4. A song from a Broadway musical or a film soundtrack.* 'In My Life' I could listen to this song all day long. It makes me happy, it makes me sad. I love Bette. For all those reasons.

5. A song that forced you to sit down and analyze its lyrics. (See #1) I had to make sure I agreed with every word..

6. A song you like that a 5-year-old would like too. 'Dream a little dream of me' Well, since I sang it to my kids until they were, ahem, a bit older than 5, I'm pretty sure.

7. A song that makes you drive too fast. 'Edge of Seventeen' Stevie Nicks kicks ass.

8. A kick-ass cover song. 'Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing' Not really different from the original, but I liked it anyway.

9. A song that both you and your grandparents (would probably) like. See # 22 This track is on later, but it's because it's a great song, with a funny story, and it's in their native language.

10. A song you really liked when you were 14-16 that you don't hate now. 'One Less Bell to Answer' It's not my favorite song, but I was trying to get all of the music on one CD, and I don't have the ability to import songs on an MP3. I really did like it then, and I really don't hate it now.

11. A break-up song. See #11 This is the perfect breakup song. I know. I've used it.

12. The song that that would start the opening credits in the soundtrack to a movie about your life. See #4 Yep, I love it.

13. An awesome live track. 'Closer to Fine' One of the few bands I love to watch live and feel safe in the audience and know my car wouldn't get broken into while I was at the concert.

14. An a cappella song. 'The Longest Time' For a while I thought I could not use any Billy Joel on this mix, but I love this song and it's the only a cappella song in my library.

15. A good song from a genre of music that no one could guess that you liked. 'Touch of Gray' I saw them do this in concert the year it came out. It was a great concert, and I'm so glad I got to at least one Dead concert in my life.

16. A song you wish you could play, on the instrument of your choice. See #13 Guitar baby, all the way

17. A favorite artist duo collaboration. 'What a Wonderful World' It doesn't get any better than Tony and kd. I love the song, and I love them

18. A favorite song you completely disagree with (politically, morally, commonsenically, religiously etc.) 'Rain Down' Yeah well, the song moved me musically, I just have to ignore the meaning of the words.

19. A song you love that a friend introduced you to. 'More than a feeling' I've been to a couple of their concerts, and I'm not friends with that friend anymore. And my son things the band members are geeks, mostbly because of the hair.

20. A song you wouldn't play in front of your Mom (if your Mom will listen to anything, then go with a song you wouldn't play in front of my Mom -- if you know what's good for you). 'Spiderman is my Homie' Even though the lyrics were written and sung by her grandson (yes Stennie, it's Spanky) she'd HATE HATE HATE this music. PS. No bad words.

21. A song that you like but would play loud to annoy the neighbors. 'Tubthumping' Just cuz it's loud and funky. I actually like my neighbors, and I can't imagine ANY music would annoy them.

22. A favorite song that's in a foreign language. 'Yidl Mita Fidl' Check out the hot oboe player for "Millie and the Mentchn'

23. A favorite track from an outfit considered a "super-group." 'Sunshine of your Love' I had to search for this one. I don't have any supergroup CDs, this one was on a soundtrack CD. I do like this song, it reminds me of my brother's stoner days.

24. A song that makes you want to drink more beer. See #2 Not while driving in a convertible in LA

25. Your favorite song at this moment in time. 'Unwritten' I discovered Natasha accidentally on a Saturday morning on MTV, and bought her CD the next day. I find it helpful as I am suffering from writer's block.

This afternoon, in the car, Little Brother, aka Spanky, looked at Flipsycab's list and said he could make a MUCH BETTER CD, so I challeged him. He could only come up with five songs. Poser. This challenge was HARD but it made me listen and consider CD's I hadn't for a while. I'd like to do something like this again, maybe in a year or two...

How Oddd

2006-02-28T08:30:00.000-08:00

Did I call it or what? I would have guessed it would have been another celeb with a first initial "D" but I didn't want to creep you out. Bye Bye Dennis.

Famous People Die in Threes

2006-02-26T14:04:00.000-08:00

My weekend started losing him, then I just jumped on and found out he left us. Who's next? I hate waiting for the third shoe to fall, don't you?

Happy Anniversary!

2006-02-22T18:22:00.000-08:00

37 years ago today my family moved from the east coast to the west...I don't know why 2/22 is such a memorable day to me...I mean, besides being a big birthday and all, Here are memorable sports moments...Not something that will EVER be on the top of my list...This list is more relevant to me, especially Barbara Jo Rubin day...Oh well, another sports connection...

Anyway, just wanted to say I'm glad I packed up and moved...Not only because being 11 is not the right time to be living on one's own, but because if I hadn't moved, I would have all the cool buds I have now.

How lazy is my brain these days...

2006-02-22T17:39:00.000-08:00

I've been tagged (finally) so here it goes. If you happen upon this, consider yourself tagged as well!

Four jobs you have had in your life:
1. QOATIP (Queen of All That Is Paper) my current job
2. Program Coordinator
3. Legal Assistant
4. Bank Teller

Four movies you would watch over and over:
1. Unconditional Love
2. Fried Green Tomatoes
3. Connie and Carla
4. Young Frankenstein

Four places you have lived:
1. Long Island, New York
2. Chatsworth, California
3. Berkeley, California
4. Bellingham, Washington

Four TV shows you love to watch: (since we just got DISH and have had no broadcast TV for 11 years (!) I expect my list will be revised shortly)
1. Will and Grace
2. Gilmore Girls
3. Oprah
4. Inside the Actors Studio

Four places you have been on vacation: My list – relaxing, not touristing…!
1. New York
2. Mexico
3. Japan
4. Gualala

Four websites I visit daily:
1. Does e-mail count?
2. Flipsycab (just to check in)
3. imdb
4. KFOG

Four of my favorite foods:
1. Trail mix
2. Fresh fruit (not kiwi)
3. Anything spicy Chinese, Japanese, Thai
4. Burritos

Four places I would rather be right now:
1. On a warm beach
2. Orchestra seats of a NY show
3. In a quiet cabin in the woods
4. On the water in a safe boat or on a raft, lazing in the warm sun.

Four friends I am tagging that I think will respond.....
1. Zoe
2. Jodi
3. Gail
4. Tara if she’s not driving someone somewhere….

I need to be in charge of all the madness!!!

2006-01-24T16:38:00.000-08:00

Now I truly love sports. Not enough to play, but enough to understand and watch an assorted game or two, especially when the teams are local boys...

BUT

Can someone explain the logic of how and why in any rational society it is acceptable behavior to beat your girlfriend in a jealous rage in public, but not reasonable to protect your family from public displays of verbal abuse? Last week, Sean Locklear of the Seahawks got into a domestic dispute in front of witnesses, left visible marks around his girlfriend’s neck, she refused to press charges, yet we let him off the hook and he is allowed to play the very next game.

This same week, Antonio Davis of the New York Knicks attempted to protect his family when his wife tried to shield their child from the inappropriate behavior of a fan, and Antonio was suspended for five games (without pay) from the NBA.

Is it that the football league is lenient or indifferent with regard to this type of conduct? Or is the NBA under deeper scrutiny and Antonio is being held up as an example without consideration of the specific circumstance?

Either way, the message makes me sick to my stomach.

She's BAAAACK

2006-01-13T07:47:00.000-08:00

Just in case someone besides Flipsycab and Stennie read this blog, Go to Google, type in "unfortunately YOUR FIRST NAME," and hit enter! See what fun, wacky information you can find about yourself that's not really, actually related to yourself! Quotation marks are necessary and you must insert your own first name (not just type in the words your first name). First page hits are recommended. BTW, my name is not as usual as most, hence the shorter list...

See below for an example from yours truly. Please note: names have been substituted to protect the innocent.

Unfortunately, QOATIP was killed in an accident about seven years ago. I’m sure it seems that way since no one has heard boo from me, but. Ta da, not true. Here I am, brought back to the living thanks to Flipsycab and Stennie and this hysterical concept…

Unfortunately QOATIP is too busy to keep a forum. Well, isn’t that obvious, considering I haven’t’ blogged since f’ing NOVEMBER!!

Unfortunately QOATIP woke up with a splitting headache, Not bloody likely, since we have cut out the excess drinking phase of life.

Unfortunately, QOATIP needs training not to jump on people. I’m trying to be better

Unfortunately, QOATIP doesn’t trust her own creative voice. UMMMM, that’s not always true, but then, I did copy this….

Unfortunately, QOATIP had someone who didn’t bother practicing so she had to use her script on stage. This is my biggest nightmare

Unfortunately and very sadly for QOATIP, her good intentions could not save her from the hell of Iraq. Amen

Unfortunately, QOATIP is no longer with us. Again, untrue, but surely understandable for someone to think so.

Unfortunately, QOATIP isn't too fond of mutants. And again, I say Amen, and stay out of the movie theatre please, I’d prefer to watch without listening to you talk about your day.

Unfortunately, QOATIP's Place has come to an end. Well, until I am stricken by my muse(s) again.

THE REVIEWS ARE IN

2005-11-24T05:37:00.000-08:00

Here is the report on the show. I hesitate to call this a review, although she was kind to two of the actors. I am cutting 20-30 minutes from the show before opening. Of course, she saw our FIRST run through, so how could I have known...I guess I did. As it was, I had cut 10 minutes that afternoon! We are sold out for opening night and Sunday matinee already. I hope no one with children tries to get their money back!!

How willing will 7 actors be to come in Friday after T-giving to work on the problem spots (which they are part of???)

BTW

Happy Day of Thanks to all of you dear readers. My first husband's gift to me this year is that we are going OUT TO DINNER at a restaurant. No obligatory conversation with strangers, no uncomfortable interaction between adolescent teenage acquaintances, no cooking and no helping to clean up afterwards.

And my gift to him is that I'm not spending any money tomorrow.

Everyone wins this year.

As I hope it is with you.

I can't be pregnant

2005-11-22T05:13:00.000-08:00

But I feel more nauseated than I did when baby brother was anticipated and I had the stomach flu at the same time...Maybe it's because tonight the reviewer is coming to see "Mattress" here, half of my former co-workers are coming, and as of yet, we have not run the full show top to bottom with orchestra, lights costume changes and special effects. Why you might ask? A lot has to do with the fact that this is community theatre and half my cast and crew are in college and have lives, rehearsals, jobs, midterms, colds and attitudes, and the other half don't have midterms in the mix.

I have become very spiritual in the past two weeks and have had my Tarot cards read twice, both times with positive outcomes with regard to the show. I have met some wonderful actors, actresses and crew during this process. The greatest delight is that the high school kids have been REALLY committed and professional. They are being taught well...

I have become greatly disappointed in grown-ups whom I thought I could depend on who didn't come through.

My greatest fear is that this experience will damage personal relationships based on un-met expectations.

My greatest hope is that I went way over budget so that the theatre folks won't let me do this again. I seem to have no control over my desire to direct.

We have flawless actors singers and musicians. Let's just hope they can distract from the flaws in the props, costumes and set. AG said you shouldn't beleive a bad review, which means you also can't believe a good one. I just don't want the reviewer to tell people to stay away from this production....

BTW, mom is coming from LA to see the show, and middle sister is coming from AZ. There goes my stomach again... OY!

14 days and counting

2005-11-09T15:21:00.000-08:00

So as if it weren't enough that I got really sick early in the rehearsal process, and then half my cast got sick, and then two of my leads got really really sick, and then one of my leads bumped her head and got a concussion, and then I broke my ankle, and then another lead slipped on his deck and landed flat on his back, then as if that weren't enough that my set isn't done, I don't have a full back stage crew and my orchestra is missing half a wind and brass section, as if that wasn't enough, this morning my car (the old one, the automatic, since I can't drive the new car since it's a stick, and oh, did I mention I broke my ankle??) my old car would not start.

Am I being punished? I thought Hell week was supposed to start NEXT Monday...

Oy.

November 4!!!

2005-11-04T07:58:00.000-08:00

Today is my baby sister's wedding anniversary, and her daughter's birthday....

And, it is the birthday of Q.O.A.T.I.P.....so far, it's been a great morning, but I've only been awake for an hour and a half, which, in fact, is about all the time it takes for the day to take a header into the crapper.

So drink a toast to me, as I am still clean and sober, and plan to be, until I'm not.

PS, my ex-drinking habit had NOTHING to do with the aforementioned ankle incident, as I stopped drinking weeks before....in case you were curious...

Don't Read this if you are Squeamish

2005-10-31T08:58:00.000-08:00

Since Baby Brother kept asking to see my broken ankle, I thought, well maybe one person in blogland would also enjoy a little color in my life. If not, feel free to skip this one.

36 hours later

What's up here...

2005-10-30T13:30:00.000-08:00

Let’s review the week, shall we?

Monday, one of the leads in the show I am directing hit her head while laughing, and ended up with a concussion and is still on dance restriction until this Wednesday.

Tuesday, I spent the first 45 minutes of rehearsal doing the job of our “publicity persn” because her photos sucked. In addition four people missed rehearsal because they were sick.

Wednesday, during the rehearsal, at about 9:15, one of the chorus members stepped forward as I was concentrating on placement for 6 people on stage for the opening of Act II, which I had just blocked the day before, and asked if she could go home, as she thought she was done for the day. (She was one of the four who missed the day before.)

Thursday, Big Sister turned 16, and had a very low key day, considering the weekend before, and the weekend to come. I went to the work party, and discovered my costumer still had not done a costume plot, and was 5 costumes short and had no idea what the hell she was going to do.

Friday, the lead showed up for rehearsal, and made it through, after I spent the first half hour telling the cast they were great and wonderful, and if they didn’t keep quiet back stage, I’d lose my mind.

Saturday, got a lot of errands done, (I’m still doing props, as my props person has yet to make it to rehearsal) and in the last five minutes of the work party, I fell off the 9 inch riser and spent the next three hours in emergency where I discovered you CAN break your ankle and still walk on it…Now I’m in a walking cast.

Yeah, that was quite a week. I can’t wait till tomorrow!!

16 is a magic number

2005-10-27T14:54:00.000-07:00

Lots of things associated with the number 16. Driving. Square roots. Dating. Moms on Xanax.

Today, Big Sister is 16. She woke up, ate breakfast and went to high school, like any normal day. When I hugged her this morning, I asked her how she could have turned 16 when I don't feel a day older than the day she was born. "Law of Nature." my angel child said.

She does have her moments.

When I have more time to blog, I'll tell you the story of her "Woman's Wisdom" gathering I had for her birthday. Perhaps I can juxtapose that with her blowout "Connie and Carla"/pizza/cake fest she is planning for Saturday night.

Oh, and BTW, Big Sister WANTS to go to homecoming next week. Genetics stop here.

Definition - Adolescent

2005-10-18T17:14:00.000-07:00

Let's break it down, shall we?

Ad - as in advertisement, which mostly is FALSE advertisement. You know, bait and switch, as in one day there is a cute kid, all cozy and cuddly and sweet and hugs in the morning, and the next day, you believe in your heart of hearts you have given birth to the anti-Christ, and you are just waiting for his head to spin and hurl green pea soup.

dol - form of the word "dull" because everything you say to him IS dull, his expression is dull, his conversation skills (with adults) is, at best, dull.

es - form of the word "ass" as in, he needs to be kicked in the....

scent - (Poetic license taken here) scent, well, let me just say you don't want to be around when he takes off his shoes, and you'll really appreciate that stuffed up nose if you need to make a trip into his room to get your sweaters you have stored in his closet all summer...

When moms get sick....

2005-10-16T17:03:00.000-07:00

It's not fair. I think that when we give birth, there should be some genetic synapse that forever protects the mother from catching anything her first or second born brings home in the way of viral or bacterial infection.

Baby brother has been sick since his birthday, and last night, I COMPLETELY lost my voice (no comments please.)

Now I am hacking up a lung! This, of course, after I told the cast of "Mattress" to NOT GET SICK and get a flu shot. Oh physician, heal thyself....

Oy.

timing?

2005-10-13T08:01:00.000-07:00

I know today is probably not the day to bring this up, but I am possessed...

I know it takes all kinds to make a world, but why am I ALWAYS in line BEHIND them???

I have lots to report on my trip to SF, but today is a day for reflection and atonement. If I have crossed you, or slighted you, please forgive me. I'll try to to better in the coming year. And if for some reason I do it again, I apologize in advance....

I've got two teenagers living in my house!!

2005-10-01T22:29:00.000-07:00

Today we celebrated Baby Brother’s 13th (!!) birthday (the actual day is Thursday, if you were checking your perpetual calendar...) with hamburgers, cake, Simpson’s on the XBOX, and a visit to these guys at this theater. Not only did they sing him happy birthday, but they pulled him up on stage for one of their skits and HE SANG ON STAGE. I’m so proud!

Standoff is off

2005-09-22T17:06:00.000-07:00

Did someone call my house? The suitcase got put away last night.....

I haven't worked out since last Thursday and I can't get my butt in gear to go...

I feel so lethargic, like I could sleep for about 12 hours straight, but when I try, I can't sleep for more than four hours..

Oy.

I think people who snore should all live together, and leave those of us who don't, alone.